Nicolle Lee, a 33-year-old mother of three from Croydon, has endured a 14-year housing struggle that has left her sleeping in the kitchen with her seven-week-old premature baby. She has moved 14 times since turning 18 and now faces the prospect of homelessness once again due to a steep rent increase.
Exhausting Cycle of Temporary Housing
Lee’s housing battle began at age 18 after her eldest daughter was born, when she had to leave her mother’s home due to lack of space. She first approached Croydon Council for help as a homeless individual. What followed, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, was a cycle of short-term council placements, private lets, and temporary accommodation both in and out of her home borough.
Over the years, Lee has moved from a council-appointed loft in South Croydon to a one-bedroom flat in Forestdale, spending only short periods in each home before private landlords evicted her. In 2013, she moved to Dagenham, where she initially felt stable, but after two and a half years, she faced eviction again after learning the tenancy had collapsed because Dagenham Council had not paid the rent.
Return to Croydon and Deteriorating Health
Forced to return to Croydon, Lee was placed in a series of B&Bs in Streatham and East Croydon, then at Gilroy Court. During this period, she and her children relied on friends’ sofas and floors. Her health declined, and she tragically lost a child through stillbirth, leading to severe emotional distress and multiple suicide attempts.
Despite her trauma, Lee says Croydon Council has not shown sympathy. She recalled a housing officer telling her that grieving was no excuse for being intentionally homeless. “I nearly gave up fighting because of that comment,” she said. “They need to have a bit of sympathy and realise what is going on with us.”
Current Situation: Sleeping in the Kitchen
Lee now lives in a cramped flat on Limes Road, where she and her baby sleep in the kitchen next to household appliances. Her two older children have special educational needs, requiring additional space. Despite providing evidence from mental health teams, occupational therapists, schools, and social workers about the overcrowding and unsuitability, she feels the council has ignored her pleas.
“They know me and my premature daughter are sleeping in the kitchen,” she said. “The only thing that I do not appreciate is that they have lied and said that it is OK for me to reside here.”
Rent Increase Threatens Eviction
A recent rent increase has brought monthly payments to £2,100, leaving a shortfall of around £600. Lee uses Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment for rent, relying on carer’s allowance for daily living. She often skips meals to ensure her children eat. Unable to sustain the increase, she expects eviction by October.
“I’m scared they are going to say I am making myself intentionally homeless again because I can’t pay the rent,” she said. “I have always paid my rent, I even pay extra rent and always before the due date.”
Impact on Children
Lee’s daughter, who does not fully understand the situation, cries every night and locks herself in her bedroom. “My daughter is at an age where she doesn’t fully understand, but she thinks it’s my fault because I’m her mum and I should be able to help her with this,” Lee said.
She added: “They need to give my children that stability, stop making them move schools. Let them be happy, and let them be kids. I just hope the council sees I have gone this far and helps me.”
Croydon Council was approached for comment but did not respond.
