A single mother from St John and her three children, all grappling with severe medical challenges, face eviction by next Wednesday as they struggle to find affordable housing in a rental market that has left them desperate and without options.
Compounding the already dire situation, the St John woman, who requested anonymity, revealed on Wednesday that she and her children – aged 16, 15, and 11 – are battling debilitating health issues.
“I am reaching out as a last-ditch effort to keep my children with medical issues and myself from certain homelessness,” said Ann (not her real name), adding that for the past three months, they have been living in a house without water, electricity, or internet “because the landlord disconnected them.”
The distressed mother shared with Barbados TODAY that a neighbour, previously only an acquaintance, was moved by their plight and provided some assistance.
“We have until April 8 to leave the premises or face eviction,” Ann said. “Every step of the way, I have reached out to my parliamentary representative, who assured me help was forthcoming while alternating between giving me false hope or simply not answering my calls. This was after someone reached out on my behalf to another minister, who said he couldn’t help us because the houses available were for his constituents.”
Through tears, the St John resident explained: “Hampering my search for housing is my inability to get around because of sciatic back pain that initially immobilised me for six weeks; added to this are frequent doctor visits due to a post-viral syndrome affecting my children’s health and leaving one of them (aged 16) walking with a cane.”
Becoming increasingly emotional, she added: “My youngest child, who is preparing for the 11-plus exam, does his homework using a flashlight. I am trying my best to shield him from anything that would distract him from doing his best.”
Ann highlighted two major obstacles in her search for housing: “Whenever a landlord hears that the government is assisting me with rent, they shut down or refuse to help; and two, rent prices are skyrocketing beyond my reach.”
She explained that while no one wants to expose their private struggles publicly, desperation often leaves no other choice after exhausting all other avenues.
Ann remains resolute about her children’s wellbeing: “So after trying government agencies, Members of Parliament, and church organisations, I am pleading for someone to give my children and me a chance to have a place to lay our heads before it’s too late. It doesn’t even matter that I don’t have all I need; I just want a house – the rest will come.”
“I never thought I would ever be in this position,” she lamented. “But I’ve learnt it only takes an illness, job loss or bad relationship — in my case, all three — to turn your life upside down and put you at the mercy of others. Because of my faith in Christ, every day I give thanks because I know my lot will change and I will be able to take care of my responsibilities. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
St John MP Charles Griffith told Barbados TODAY he is aware of the family’s plight and is doing all he can to assist them in finding accommodation.
“I spoke to [her]. It is unfortunate what has happened based on her current situation. I am trying to see if I can assist in terms of finding accommodation for her and her young children.
The process is not easy because rentals are fairly difficult to come by,” said Griffith, who also serves as minister for community empowerment.
“Even though the money is guaranteed, many landlords don’t want to rent to government because they seem apprehensive about working with the Welfare Department on rental fees. So I am trying my best to see how I can assist her because she reached out to me – especially since young children are involved – as the situation is far from ideal.”
Griffith assured that he was “actively” searching for accommodation both within his constituency and elsewhere.
There was no relief from the Resilience and Reintegration Unit (RRU), recently established by the government to address housing emergencies such as evictions or domestic abuse cases.
The unit said on Wednesday that there were currently no houses available.
“Our unit does not have houses set aside. So we tell people if they can find a house for rent, let the landlord contact us, and we will seek to accommodate them. At this point in time, we do not have anywhere,” said Andrew Pollard, head of the RRU.
When asked if there was any immediate solution for Ann’s family, he replied: “Not at this point in time. If tomorrow or this evening she finds a landlord willing to work with the government and rent her a house, then we can talk with that landlord.”
Pollard explained that families or individuals claiming eviction must provide proof of their situation: “Formally… you can’t just come and say you got evicted. We need contact information for the person who evicted them to ensure it’s above board. We currently have a waiting list of about 80 families. But we don’t leave people on the street – she might get prioritised.” He reiterated, however, that no properties were available at present.
Pollard also noted that temporary accommodations such as guest houses were fully occupied: “Sometimes we use hotels for temporary stays of one or two weeks – but even this is untenable.” emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
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