A mother with disabilities, who takes care of her autistic daughter, has opened up about her struggles with homelessness for almost ten years. Elaine Hughes, aged 49, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and arthritis. She serves as a carer for her 25-year-old daughter with autism. Residing in temporary housing in Haringey, North London, Elaine faces challenges with the inadequate living conditions, including freezing temperatures, cracks in the walls, and deteriorating tiles.
Despite the supposed accessibility of the accommodations, they do not cater to Elaine’s specific needs. She expressed, “No one willingly becomes homeless. Circumstances such as the loss of my father, a failed marriage, and inadequate accommodations due to my disabilities led to our homelessness. It was a shock to both me and my daughter when she was 17 and in college at the time.”
The initial housing provided had severe dampness and accessibility issues, confining Elaine to the main bedroom for years due to her reliance on a walking frame at home. The living conditions worsened to the point where mushrooms started growing from the walls, impacting their health. Living in temporary housing was meant to be a short-term solution, but it has extended to over eight years, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and discomfort.
Another individual, Georgia Kellett, aged 36, faced a similar plight when she and her 7-year-old son became homeless following a divorce. With assistance from Shelter, they were able to secure stable social housing just in time for the holiday season. Georgia shared how the temporary accommodation negatively affected their lives, leading to the rehoming of their pets, her departure from work, and a long commute for her son to school, causing mental distress.
Despite the challenges, Shelter’s legal guidance enabled Georgia to appeal the council’s decision to declare them intentionally homeless. They have now settled into a permanent social home, bringing a sense of relief and stability to their lives. Georgia expressed her joy at seeing her son happy and at ease in their new home, emphasizing the importance of having a secure and permanent living space after a period of uncertainty and instability.