How Do Homeless Families Cope with Heartbreaking Struggles?

Angela Carruthers' story highlights the distressing plight of single parents facing homelessness in the UK. After being evicted from her home in Solihull, Angela and her three children have struggled for over two years to find stable accommodation. Her experience underscores the pressing issue of housing insecurity, particularly among single-parent families, who are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Crisis of Homelessness Among Single Parents

The issue of homelessness is a growing crisis in the UK, particularly for single parents like Angela Carruthers. With more than 124,000 families reported to be facing homelessness last year, the statistics reveal a stark reality. Single-parent households are four times more likely to experience homelessness than those with multiple adults. This article examines the challenges faced by single parents in securing stable housing and the systemic issues contributing to this crisis.

• Single-parent families are disproportionately affected by homelessness.
• Angela Carruthers has faced three temporary accommodations in two years.
• New figures show a 10% increase in families at risk of homelessness compared to five years ago.
• The average waiting time for social housing in Solihull is approximately three years.
• Housing charities play a critical role in supporting families facing eviction.

The Eviction Experience: A Personal Account

Angela Carruthers, 36, lived in her privately rented home for 12 years when her landlord issued a Section 21 notice, effectively evicting her with just six months' notice. Despite notifying the local council of her impending homelessness, the day of her eviction was harrowing. Angela and her children found themselves on the street, surrounded by their belongings, not knowing where they would spend the night.

Angela recounted the emotional turmoil of being evicted: “We were there for more than 12 years. It was my first house, I had a good relationship with the landlord. She said she wanted to up the rent, and then a couple of weeks later, she said she was selling.” The abrupt end to her stable life left her family in a state of shock and despair.

The Impact of Temporary Accommodation

In the two years following her eviction, Angela has faced significant instability, moving between three different temporary accommodations. These moves have severely disrupted her family’s routine, making it difficult for her to maintain her full-time job and for her children to attend school. She explained, “Me and Blake were getting up at 4.45am every day to travel on public transport for two hours to get to work and school.” This exhausting commute took a toll on both her and her children’s well-being.

Challenges Faced by Angela's Family

Angela's family has faced numerous challenges due to their housing situation:

• Unaffordable accommodation, leading to £4,000 in arrears.
• Living conditions without basic amenities such as electricity and heating.
• Separation from her youngest son, Blake, who has had to live with his father to attend school.
• Disruption in education for her older children, who were unable to continue their studies.

Angela’s story reveals the harsh reality of the housing crisis in the UK, where single-parent families face systemic barriers to finding and maintaining stable homes.

The Role of Housing Charities

In Angela's case, housing charity Shelter intervened, providing crucial support during her time of need. Shelter’s involvement illustrates the importance of such organisations in addressing homelessness. Angela stated, “When I spoke to Shelter, they were the first people who really listened. They helped me stay in this property – just knowing someone was there took some of the pressure off.”

Charities like Shelter not only offer practical assistance but also provide a listening ear and advocacy for vulnerable families facing housing insecurity. Their recent campaign aims to end homelessness and calls for public support and donations to enhance their services.

The Broader Context: Statistics and Trends

Recent analysis has shown that the number of families facing homelessness has increased by 10% over the past five years. Currently, one in every 28 single-parent families is at risk of becoming homeless, compared to one in every 101 families with multiple adults. This stark disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted support for single-parent households.

As of March 2023, over 169,000 children were living in temporary accommodation in England, a 12% rise from the previous year and the highest number recorded since 2004. Such figures illustrate the growing scale of the housing crisis and the urgent need for solutions.

Challenges in Securing Permanent Housing

Angela continues to face uncertainty regarding her housing situation. After being moved into a third temporary accommodation that she could not afford, she has accumulated significant rent arrears. This situation exemplifies the difficulties many single parents encounter when navigating the housing system. Angela explained, “The private rented accommodation are asking for guarantors if you don’t earn over £37,000 a year – a single parent earning that much is impossible.”

The criteria set by landlords often exclude those in vulnerable positions, making it increasingly difficult for single parents to secure stable housing. Angela’s lack of family support further exacerbates her situation, as she has lost both parents and lacks a reliable support network.

Community Responses and Government Action

Local councils, such as Solihull Community Housing, are tasked with supporting families facing homelessness. However, they often face challenges due to high demand and limited resources. A spokesperson for Solihull Community Housing stated, “We always aim to secure temporary accommodation in the borough, but this is not always possible as demand exceeds supply.” This reflects a larger systemic issue affecting many councils across the UK.

As the average waiting time for social housing in Solihull is around three years, families like Angela’s may find themselves in precarious situations for extended periods. The spokesperson added, “Three-bedroom social housing homes are in high demand, with an average waiting time of approximately three years.”

The Emotional Toll of Homelessness

Beyond the logistical challenges of securing housing, the emotional impact on families facing homelessness is profound. Angela shared the heartache of her family being separated, as her youngest son Blake lives with his father to ensure he can attend school. “It’s really upsetting, he’s the baby of the family. Blake wants to be with his mum, so it’s upsetting,” she lamented.

Such separation not only affects the emotional well-being of children but also disrupts their social lives and educational opportunities. Angela expressed concern for her older children, stating, “My older two children haven’t been able to go to college, or to uni, or to even get work, because we don’t know where we’re going to end up. They’ve lost all their friends, we’re totally isolated.”

What Happens Next?

As Angela continues to navigate her uncertain housing situation, the question remains: what will happen next? With the intervention of Shelter providing some stability, there is hope for her family. However, the lack of clarity regarding the duration of her stay in temporary accommodation leaves her future in limbo.

The systemic issues contributing to homelessness require urgent attention from both local councils and the government. Addressing these challenges not only involves increasing the availability of affordable housing but also ensuring that support services are accessible to families in need.

Conclusion: The Need for Change

Angela Carruthers' story is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by single parents in the UK. As the number of families at risk of homelessness continues to rise, it is imperative that society collectively seeks solutions to this crisis. There is a pressing need for policy changes to ensure that families like Angela’s can find stable, affordable housing and rebuild their lives.

How can we as a society work together to address the housing crisis and provide support for vulnerable families? #Homelessness #SingleParents #HousingCrisis

FAQs

What is a Section 21 notice?

A Section 21 notice is a legal document issued by landlords in England to terminate an assured shorthold tenancy. It gives tenants notice to vacate the property, usually after a specified period.

What support is available for single parents facing homelessness?

Single parents can seek support from local councils, housing charities like Shelter, and community organisations that offer assistance with finding accommodation and financial advice.

How long is the waiting list for social housing in the UK?

The waiting list for social housing varies by location, but in places like Solihull, the average waiting time for a three-bedroom home is approximately three years.

What can I do to help families facing homelessness?

You can support organisations like Shelter by donating or volunteering, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable families in your community.

Why are single-parent families more likely to face homelessness?

Single-parent families often have lower incomes, face discrimination in the housing market, and lack access to supportive networks, making it more challenging to secure stable housing.