Hollie Monks, a single mum from Coalpit Heath, who has fought long term health problems. These challenges are a result of the extreme mold and moisture in her home. Monks lives with her six-yo son and nine-yo daughter, who has autism. After reporting her moisture problems in fall of 2023, she’s faced an uphill battle. In July, she had a life-threatening asthma attack that put her in the hospital. This concerning condition prompted her teen daughter to immediately dial 911 for assistance.
For three months, Monks and her kids lived in the Emersons Green Travelodge. They moved in there while work was still supposed to be going on to repair the damage in their original home, which belonged to the Sovereign Network Group housing association. Even with the family’s temporary move to the suburbs, Monks could never fully escape the health threats associated with their deteriorating habitat.
A nurse from the hospital’s Severe Asthma Team assessed Monks’ case. Photo by Kali M. Bracey She reached out to us, voicing concerns about the persistent dampness and resulting mold in her home. In a letter addressed to Sovereign Network Group, the nurse emphasized that these environmental factors were detrimental to Monks’ health. The housing association launched its own investigation. They documented that indoor humidity in Monks’ home was “under control,” something that would never have been left up to risk if the environment was unsafe to live in.
The hilly terrain surrounding Monks’ property makes it an ideal location for booming water to collect. Not only has this geographical layout exacerbated the chronic dampness of the site, resulting in major moisture problems. Monks told USA TODAY that water began pouring through her front door. This fix shows there are still deep systemic issues with the property that have yet to be addressed.
The chief customer officer of Sovereign Network Group Nicole Sharp vigorously supported the association’s conclusions. She told us that years of investigations had found the property perfectly livable. This hasn’t taken the worry off Monks’ mind about her family’s health and well-being.
Cases such as Monks’ have led to the introduction of new legislation termed “Awaab’s Law.” It means that this law will finally make councils and housing associations respond to damp and mould issues faster. This law is intended to impose tougher timelines on the city’s remediation efforts. It serves as an example of the importance of acting with urgency when tenants are facing such serious health risks due to their living conditions.
