A homeless family in London has been struggling in a one-bedroom apartment for over a year. The cramped space has created severe challenges, impacting the homeless family’s daily life, including their children’s sleep and studies. The case has now been taken to court in search of a better solution.
Mother and Daughter Forced to Sleep in the Living Room Due to Lack of Space
A mother of two in London has been sleeping in the living room for over a year.
The city council assigned her homeless family to a cramped one-bedroom apartment.
Sonia Monteiro, 44, has filed a lawsuit against Hackney Council over the unsuitable living conditions.
She claims that the limited space is affecting her children’s sleep and ability to study.
Homeless Family Faces Overcrowded Living Conditions and Daily Struggles
Monteiro and her 12-year-old daughter sleep in the combined living room and kitchen area.
They are frequently disturbed by the noise from an extractor fan.
Meanwhile, her 17-year-old son sleeps in the only bedroom of the apartment.
When he needs to use the small kitchen for cooking or studying, it disrupts his mother and sister.
Monteiro, who works as a cleaner, shared: “We are living on top of each other. The small space makes my children feel stressed.”
Risks of Temporary Housing Conditions
Housing support expert Elizabeth Wyatt is concerned that if the court deems these living conditions acceptable, it will negatively impact many other homeless families.
Wyatt pointed out that London is facing a severe housing crisis, with more and more children growing up in temporary accommodations.
She emphasized: “The council should focus on finding better temporary homes instead of engaging in legal battles with residents.”
What Does the City Council Say About This Issue?
Hackney Council stated that they aim to provide permanent housing for all homeless families.
However, due to the housing shortage, they are often forced to rely on temporary accommodations.
According to 2024 statistics, more than 336,000 households in London are on waiting lists for social housing.
Meanwhile, over 183,000 people remain homeless and live in temporary accommodations provided by local authorities.
Hackney Council has pledged to invest in council-owned temporary housing to improve living conditions.
They also affirmed that they fully comply with legal space and housing standards.
Homeless Family’s Hopes and the Court’s Decision
Monteiro hopes the court will rule in favor of her family, allowing them to move to a more suitable living space.
Her daughter is preparing for her GCSE exams and urgently needs a quiet place to study.
“We just need enough space to live comfortably and have privacy,” Monteiro said.
She hopes the city council will soon find a solution to improve living conditions for homeless families like hers.