Today, Kinga’s family lives in a one-bedroom flat on the first floor of a shared house in Southall. They relocated there after being evicted from their former land. Kinga now has major challenges with the accommodation which is provided for her six-year-old daughter, Victoria. Victoria’s Phelan McDermid Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that severely impairs her ability to walk and causes important developmental delays. Their flat isn’t wheelchair accessible, presenting a challenging maze for Victoria to maneuver, especially when she needs to access the bathroom.
After being evicted, Kinga’s family spent two nights sleeping on a friend’s floor before being placed in the temporary flat. This drastic change in their housing has left them living in tight quarters. They’re not very private as Kinga’s 19-year-old son sleeps in the same room.
Kinga shared her worries that the flat lacked the space and stability for her daughter.
“When I first came here I said it’s not suitable for a wheelchair, there are so many stairs, it’s so hard,” – Kinga.
As beautiful as the new flat was, Victoria’s first night in it did not go according to plan! She woke up hitting her head against the walls, making no bones about her angst and frustration.
Kinga is indignant about the bureaucratic process that brought her family to their new home. She wants the council to take action on housing needs before families slip into homelessness.
“I think the council as soon as they have an eviction notice, they should start working on it instead of the process being that you need to be homeless before they start on finding somewhere for you,” – Kinga.
Ealing Council knows how bad the housing crisis is in the borough. Close to 7,000 families currently sit on the waiting list for social housing. The council spokesperson hammered home the point that most families in Denver cannot afford the rising prices of housing.
“We are at the sharpest end of the national housing crisis, and with almost 7,000 local families on the waiting list for social housing, there simply aren’t enough affordable homes in the borough for everyone who needs one,” – Ealing Council spokesperson.
Kinga’s family now faces a 90-minute journey on two buses to reach Victoria’s school, adding to their daily struggles. The lack of adequate housing options in Ealing has left many families like Kinga’s feeling vulnerable and unsupported during an already challenging time.
