Shamilah Edwards, who moved to Sweden in 2015, had to return to the UK under difficult circumstances in June 2022, bringing her children with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Despite being promised short-term emergency housing by Haringey Council, she has been forced to live in a single bedroom with her three children for more than two years. During this time, she has received no alternative housing options, causing significant distress to her family.
Shamilah mentioned feeling 'very shocked' that it has been two and a half years without a single home being offered to her despite the numerous approaches made to the local authority, who she claims have not responded adequately. Sharing limited bathroom and kitchen facilities with others has been uncomfortable for her, leading to a further decline in her mental health, particularly as the arrangements require sharing spaces with men.
Community union ACORN Haringey has taken up Shamilah's case, highlighting the urgent need for the council to address the growing number of families in temporary accommodation. They expressed that it is unacceptable for families to endure such poor living conditions during festive periods, stating, 'Shamilah should not have to live one more Christmas in emergency accommodation.' Their recent protest was aimed at demanding accountability from the council regarding temporary housing.
ACORN Haringey has reported that more than 2,500 families in the borough are living in similar temporary accommodation situations as Shamilah, pointing to a critical housing crisis. Members of the union have condemned the local authority's inability to effectively communicate with residents requiring assistance, describing the systemic issues as being detrimental not only to individuals' health and well-being, but also to the social fabric of the community.
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