How one family is finally looking forward to Christmas

What they hoped would be a short stay stretched into four long years. Their living space was unbearably cramped, with boxes filling the only communal area, and black mould spreading through every room.

The stress of living in such awful conditions began to take a toll on everyone’s physical and mental health. Even completing their Kent Home Choice housing application became overwhelming. Miscommunication with the council left the family stuck in unsuitable accommodation, feeling powerless as yet another Christmas approached that they wouldn’t be able to celebrate.

Each winter felt longer, colder and harder to get through, with no sign of change.

Then Porchlight stepped in.

Family Routes support worker Sam worked closely with the family, helping them complete and update their housing application to make sure it accurately reflected their situation.

“Together, we reviewed their benefits to maximise income and ease the pressure of poverty,” Sam said. “I offered practical support at home and advocated on their behalf to address the disrepair in the temporary accommodation.”

With their health deteriorating, Sam liaised with the local Social Prescribing Team so the family could receive both physical and mental health support. She also arranged specialist advice to address the mould and damp, strengthening their case for a move to somewhere safe and warm.

Then came the news they had almost given up hope of hearing — they had been offered a new-build social housing property: a safe, healthy place to call home. And best of all, they would be moving in before Christmas.

The family are over the moon, especially the children, who can’t wait to have their own beds and space to play again. Porchlight continues to support them by funding new bedroom furniture and bunk beds so the children can finally settle into a warm, clean room before Christmas morning. Much of their old furniture was damaged by mould, and replacing essentials is expensive, but with your help, we can help them furnish their new home.

After years of uncertainty, this family can finally look forward to the festive season — not with the usual fear and disappointment, but with excitement, relief and hope. Our Family Routes service provides practical, financial and educational support to families in Thanet facing poverty.