Not Just a House

.......It's our Home.

A year ago today myself, my husband and our three children were made homeless.

Our private tenancy came to an end and our landlord decided not to renew as he wanted his house back. We couldn't find an alternative property to private rent due to my husband stopping work when his arthritis became too painful to continue. Every time we approached a letting agent or landlord we were turned away.

On 21st May 2013 we made an application to the council as being homeless and we were moved to emergency accommodation - one room in a shared house, sharing a bathroom and kitchen facilities with 6 others. There were no other families in the house we shared, the other residents were mostly young vulnerable adults.

We spent 73 days in the room. It wasn't an easy time, 5 of us eating, sleeping and going about everyday life in one room. The children were unable to have a proper routine, they had to eat on their beds and my daughter slept on a mattress on the floor. My husband battled with depression and feelings of worthlessness, I felt a failure as a mother but found inner strength to keep going for my children.

There was of course a happy ending. We were offered a property by the council and accepted immediately. I learned how precious a "home" is to a family.

This is not just our house, this is our home.