Television presenter Alison Hammond has made an emotional plea for homeless families after a heartbreaking encounter with a mother and son living in temporary accommodation for over five years.
A Mother's Story
The This Morning star, visibly moved to tears during filming for housing charity Shelter's winter campaign, met 39-year-old single mother Alicia and her six-year-old son Aeon. Alicia revealed they've been homeless for nearly six years - effectively her son's entire childhood - moving between various temporary accommodations while battling mould, damp, and mice infestations.
"No one should have to live how Alicia and Aeon are living currently," Alison told the Mirror. "They're in temporary accommodation but they've been there for over 5 years now – that doesn't feel very temporary to me."
The Harsh Reality of Temporary Accommodation
Alicia described the devastating impact their living conditions have had on their health and wellbeing. Both she and her son have developed breathing problems, with Aeon requiring hospital treatment. Her Christmas preparations include laying multiple mouse traps and dealing with wall mould while trying to create a memorable festive experience for her child.
"I feel like I'm getting bounced around, and you start to feel forgotten," Alicia explained, describing how she initially entered "survival mode" when first becoming homeless.
Record Homelessness Numbers
The documentary comes as homelessness reaches crisis levels across England. Official figures show 172,420 children are currently homeless in temporary accommodation - the highest number since records began 21 years ago.
Alison reflected on her own childhood experience: "When I was younger, my mum was given a social home... 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 shortage of affordable social housing are pushing more families to the brink, leaving them without the basic necessity of a safe, stable home.
Shelter's emergency helpline and frontline services continue to support families facing homelessness. Chief Executive Sarah Elliott stated: "No family should face homelessness alone this Christmas."
