More than two million children in England live in congested housing with little or no personal space, and approximately 300,000 share mattresses with family members, according to a new study. Sources spoke with two families who have been struggling to survive due to a lack of space.
Deni Reid practices the piano in a small alcove on the third floor of a large apartment building. Her mother is proud not only of her daughter's musical abilities, but also of her resilience in the face of adversity. According to Joanna Szablewska, she has never had her own chamber despite being nearly 10 years old. She has always shared a bed with her.
The family pays £860 per month for a one-bedroom residence, as defined by the local government. According to Joanna, It is a tiny kitchen/living area, a shower room, and a chamber with a double bed that is "about the size of a prison cell." They were told they would only be here for eight weeks, but it has been thirteen months since they arrived.
The administrator, who is 36 years old, said that they deserved at least one single bed, one wardrobe each and a workstation for Deni to do her homework. Deni wrote in a letter to the council, pleading for a larger place, "I've been homeless my entire existence. I am entitled to my own territory, room, and bed.
According to new National Housing Federation (NHF) research released on Wednesday, more than 300,000 minors in England must share beds with other family members. Two million children live with little or no personal space.
White households are three times less prone to be overcrowded than ethnic minority households. More than a quarter of parents living in overcrowded residences frequently slept in the living room, bathroom, hallway or kitchen, according to researchers.
When private, rented housing became unaffordable, Joanna and her daughter were compelled to seek council assistance. Joanna had never been able to purchase a two-bedroom home, but she now struggles to afford a one-bedroom flat due to rising rents.
They are one of 56 homeless families currently residing in Brimstone House, Stratford, east London. The tower used to contain studio apartments for single people, but Newham Council is now using it to provide temporary and emergency housing.
Last year, under pressure from Focus E15, a local housing action group, the mayor of Newham pledged to move all families out of the block by next month. However, he recently stated that the deadline would not be met. The council reports an increase in homeless households requiring assistance over the past year.
Several families have complained about their confined living conditions, including the claustrophobic nature of the rooms, the difficulty of keeping each home clean, and the strain of living so closely with their partners and children.
The latest proposals, according to the Newham council, will see the construction of over 2,000 homes in phases over the next two decades. To combat homelessness, the council also plans to acquire 500 residences over the next three years.
