Alison Hammond says ‘no one should have to’ as homeless mum opens up about tough Christmas
Television presenter Alison Hammond has spoken out after speaking to homeless families living in temporary accommodation
Alison Hammond(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Television presenter Alison Hammond, 50, has expressed her distress after learning about the harsh realities faced by homeless families living in temporary accommodation during the festive period.
The star has joined forces with housing charity Shelter for their latest winter appeal, meeting Alicia, a 39 year old single mother currently residing in temporary accommodation with her six year old son, Aeon.
Visibly moved to tears during their conversation, Alison told the Mirror: “I couldn’t believe what Alicia was telling me – it really got me.”
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She’s a single mom the same way that I am so I really 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. They’re in temporary accommodation but they’ve been there for over 5 years now – that doesn’t feel very temporary to me.
“Alicia is so strong and positive despite what she’s been through and is still going through, and I just think she’s amazing to be honest with you. I came away feeling inspired by her, but heartbroken to know thousands of families are in similar situations to them and will be spending Christmas homeless in damp, mouldy and unsafe temporary accommodation.
“Both of them have been struggling with their breathing lately, and Aeon’s even been in hospital. She’s laying two types of mouse traps because the infestation’s got 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.”, reports the Mirror.
During an emotional face-to-face discussion for the campaign, Alison meets fellow mother Alicia, who discloses that she and her young son Aeon have experienced homelessness for almost six years – effectively his entire childhood. She explains how they’ve been relocated from one temporary residence to another, continuously fighting mould, dampness, and the instability of never knowing their next destination.
Alison becomes visibly emotional and appears devastated as Alicia outlines her festive preparations, which involve purchasing additional mouse traps, following up on property repairs, and addressing wall mould, whilst simultaneously attempting to create a memorable Christmas for her child.
The documentary arrives during a period when homelessness has reached unprecedented levels, with 172,420 children presently homeless in temporary accommodation across England – the largest figure since data collection commenced 21 years ago.
Alicia, 39, is a lone parent currently experiencing homelessness and residing in temporary accommodation in London alongside her six year old son, Aeon. Aeon has experienced housing instability throughout his life.
When Alicia initially became homeless, she explains she “went straight into survival mode.”
She explained: “You just think, I need to find some kind of stability. I felt really alone and didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. The first temporary accommodation I lived in 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. Now, in my current accommodation, there’s mould and mice, and I don’t feel safe. My asthma has gotten worse, my son’s breathing has gotten worse, and there are moments when he stops breathing at night. I feel like I’m getting bounced around, and you start to feel forgotten.”
When circumstances became too overwhelming to cope with on her own, Alicia contacted Shelter for assistance, connecting with a Helpline adviser who clarified her legal entitlements and supported her through the process of finding safer, more appropriate temporary housing. Alison further commented: “Alicia was saying that she feels forgotten, 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. When I was younger, my mum was given a social home and it was a really nice house to grow up in. That 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.”
Record-high private rents and a severe lack of affordable social homes are pushing more families to the edge, depriving them of the basic necessity of a safe and stable home.
Shelter’s emergency helpline, online advice, and frontline services offer support to families facing homelessness.
Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Shelter, stated: “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.
“At Shelter, we’re doing everything possible to help parents fight for a better home for their children. No family should face homelessness alone this Christmas. Donate today and you can help connect parents to someone who will provide support now, and in the tough times ahead.”
