Disabled Mother's 8-Year Fight for Home

Elaine Hughes, a disabled mother living with cerebral palsy and arthritis, has faced the harsh reality of homelessness for nearly a decade. She and her autistic daughter currently reside in temporary accommodation in North London, which is characterized by freezing temperatures, structural damage, and mold. This unsuitable environment has been their home for over eight years, leaving them in a state of constant limbo and impacting their health.

The initial placement was severely inadequate, forcing Elaine to remain confined to one room for three years due to accessibility issues. The situation escalated when mold growth led to breathing problems for Elaine and rashes for her daughter, prompting a council move only after the problem became critical. The ongoing uncertainty of temporary housing means they live out of boxes, always awaiting potential relocation.

Meanwhile, Georgia Kellett's experience highlights a potential path to stability. After becoming homeless due to a marriage breakdown, she and her son faced similar challenges with temporary housing, including significant upheaval and mental health strain. With legal advice from Shelter, Georgia successfully appealed an 'intentionally homeless' ruling and has now moved into secure social housing, offering her son a safe environment to finally relax and play.