A Life in Limbo: Six Years Without a Home
Alicia was six months pregnant when her world collapsed. After the devastating loss of her father, she also lost the home they shared. With nowhere to go, her local authority placed her in a hostel before moving her to temporary accommodation situated above a derelict London pub.
What was intended as a short-term solution became a two-year nightmare. Alicia and her newborn son, Aeon, lived in a flat plagued by damp and bed bugs. Since then, the family has been stuck in a relentless cycle of cramped, unsuitable, and unsafe temporary housing. This means that Aeon, now six years old, has spent his entire life officially classified as homeless.
‘I’ve been in survival mode for six years, and it’s had a huge impact on my wellbeing,’ Alicia, 39, explains. ‘It’s also really affected my son. I just don’t want any of this done in vain.’
A National Crisis: The Stark Reality for Thousands
Tragically, their story is far from unique. Homelessness in England is now at its highest level since records began. According to housing charity Shelter, a shocking 172,420 children are currently homeless in temporary accommodation across the country. Meanwhile, nearly a third of all children – a staggering 4.5 million – are living in poverty.
This crisis has been fuelled by severe housing shortages and exorbitant private rents, particularly in London where average prices can range from £2,218 to £2,712 per month. This perfect storm forces families into shoddy, vermin and mould-infested properties simply to avoid sleeping on the streets.
Recalling their first 'home' above the pub, Alicia says, ‘It was disgusting. There were so many issues with damp and bed bugs. It was no place for my son to grow up.’
From One Nightmare to the Next
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns trapped Alicia and Aeon in the derelict building for longer than anticipated, halting her fight for better housing. While the local authority later admitted it had ‘neglected’ its duties, their next placement was no improvement.
‘I had drug addicts next door, and there was always fighting and knife crime near us,’ Alicia remembers. ‘The final straw for me came when other residents nearly burned our house down while myself and my son slept inside.’
Now in their third temporary arrangement, a block of flats owned by a private landlord, they still face severe issues. The most pressing are widespread mould and mice infestations, which have caused health problems for both and rendered their kitchen unusable. Aeon’s breathing issues, caused by the damp, have been so severe he has been hospitalised.
‘My son has breathing issues because of all the damp,’ Alicia explains. ‘There are moments when he stops breathing at night. I feel like I’m getting bounced around, and you start to feel forgotten.’
A Glimmer of Hope and a Plea for Change
Recently, Alicia met TV presenter Alison Hammond, who is working with Shelter on a short film highlighting the reality of homelessness at Christmas. Alison was moved to tears by Alicia’s story.
‘Alison was amazing. It was nice to talk to someone who actually, genuinely cares – I really felt heard,’ says Alicia.
Alison added: ‘No one should have to live the way Alicia and Aeon are living... I’m supporting Shelter because they’re there for families like Alicia’s, giving them help and fighting for lasting change to end homelessness for good.’
Alicia has repeatedly contacted her landlord for basic repairs, but her pleas are ignored. ‘The mould is just painted over,’ she says. ‘Instead of presents for my son, I am having to get mouse traps and mould remover.’
With support from Shelter, Alicia is now better informed of her legal rights and is fighting for safer accommodation. Despite the constant stress, she focuses on creating small, joyful traditions for Aeon at Christmas.
‘I just want something to be done, and thanks to Shelter, I’m now not afraid to use my voice to make this happen,’ she states. ‘I’m not asking for much; I just want a stable home where my son feels happy.’
