A mother with disabilities, who looks after her autistic daughter, has opened up about her nearly ten-year struggle with homelessness. Elaine Hughes, aged 49, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and arthritis. She acts as a carer for her 25-year-old autistic daughter in Haringey, North London, residing in temporary accommodation that lacks proper insulation and has significant structural issues.
Despite being designed to be suitable for her needs, the adaptations in the accommodation fall short for Elaine. She expressed, “No one voluntarily chooses to be without a home. Various factors led to my homelessness – the passing of my father, the breakdown of my marriage, and the inability of my landlord to accommodate my accessibility requirements. This situation hit hard when my daughter was 17 and still in college.”
Elaine and her daughter were initially placed in a property plagued with severe damp and inaccessible areas, confining Elaine to the main bedroom for three years due to her reliance on a walking frame at home. Only after mushrooms appeared on the walls did the council relocate them. The poor living conditions took a toll on their health, with Elaine struggling to breathe and her daughter developing rashes from mold in their mattress. The temporary nature of their accommodation, initially meant to be a short stay, has stretched to over eight years, leaving them living out of boxes and in constant uncertainty.
Another individual, Georgia Kellett, aged 36, faced similar challenges with temporary housing after becoming homeless following a marital breakdown in May. With guidance from Shelter, Georgia and her 7-year-old son found stability in a secure social home just in time for the holiday season.
Reflecting on their time in temporary accommodation, Georgia shared, “The impact was immense. We had to part with our pets, and I had to quit my job due to the upheaval. The distance from my son’s school, along with the unsettled routine, took a toll on him and my mental well-being suffered greatly.”
Despite being deemed intentionally homeless by the council, legal support from Shelter enabled Georgia to successfully contest the decision. They have now settled into a permanent social home, bringing relief and joy to both mother and son. The newfound stability has allowed them to retrieve their belongings from storage, witnessing their son relax and play freely in their own space, a stark contrast to the uncertainties of their past living situation.