Key Highlights
- Television presenter Alison Hammond sheds light on the harsh realities of homeless families during the festive season.
- Alicia, a single mother with her six-year-old son Aeon, has experienced homelessness for over five years.
- The issue highlights the severe lack of affordable housing and increasing private rents in London.
- Shelter reports that 172,420 children are currently homeless across England.
- Alicia’s story emphasizes the struggle to maintain stability and ensure her son has a safe Christmas.
The Difficult Reality of Homelessness for Families During Christmas
Television presenter Alison Hammond, known for her empathetic approach to social issues, recently joined forces with housing charity Shelter to shed light on the stark realities faced by homeless families during the festive season. Her heart-wrenching encounter with Alicia, a single mother of six-year-old Aeon, brought to light the challenges that many families face.
“I couldn’t believe what Alicia was telling me – it really got me,” Alison told The Mirror. “She’s a single mom the same way I am, so I felt connected to her in that way and could feel the love she has for her son. No one should have to live how Alicia and Aeon are living currently.”
Alicia’s Struggle: Six Years of Homelessness
Alicia, 39, has been living with her young son in temporary accommodation for almost six years—effectively his entire childhood. Her story is one of constant relocation, battling dampness and mold, and the relentless search for stability.
“You just think, I need to find some kind of stability,” Alicia explained to Alison during their meeting. “I felt really alone and didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. The first temporary accommodation was awful; there was damp everywhere, you could smell it, and there were bedbugs— I had to throw away all my mattresses. My mental health really suffered, and I felt so isolated, like it was just me and my son against the world.”
The Impact on Health and Well-being
Alicia’s living conditions have taken a toll not only on her but also on Aeon. “Both of them have been struggling with their breathing lately,” Alison recounted. “Aeon has even been in hospital. She’s laying two types of mouse traps because the infestation is that bad, and on top of that, she’s sorting all the legal papers out… This is Alicia’s Christmas to-do list.
Can you imagine? No family should have to spend Christmas like this.”
According to Shelter’s data, over 172,420 children are currently homeless in temporary accommodation across England— a figure that has reached unprecedented levels since data collection began 21 years ago. The organization notes that many of these families face worsening living conditions due to high private rents and the lack of affordable social homes.
Supporting Homeless Families
During their meeting, Alison met with Alicia as part of Shelter’s winter appeal campaign. “Alicia was saying that she feels forgotten,” Alison stated. “And that her and Aeon are lost in the system, and I’m not surprised she’s feeling like that to be honest with you because it’s been so long and they haven’t been given any update on when they might be getting a home.”
Shelter’s emergency helpline, online advice, and frontline services offer support to families facing homelessness. Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Shelter, emphasized the critical need for action: “Every day we hear from families in temporary accommodation who are terrified of waiting out the winter in appalling conditions, watching their breath hang in the air as damp and mould climbs the walls. Their experience is only worsened by bitter isolation, as many are moved miles away from their extended families, schools, and communities.”
Alison further expressed her hope that more could be done to provide safe and stable homes for all families: “When I was younger, my mum was given a social home and it was a real lifeline for my mum at the time and it meant safety and security for me, my brother, and sister growing up.
I just wish that was the case for Alicia and Aeon, and for all of the other families who are stuck in temporary accommodation with no end in sight.”
As we approach the holiday season, the stark reality of homelessness for families like Alicia’s serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. With your support, organizations like Shelter can continue to provide crucial assistance and advocate for lasting change.
