Amy and Joshua, a young couple in their twenties, find themselves on the brink of homelessness.

With three children and another on the way, they received a shocking seven-day notice to evacuate their rental house.

Unable to keep up with rental payments due to depending on government assistance, they now face the daunting task of finding a new place to live.

A Family in Despair

Desperate for housing assistance, Amy and Joshua reached out to their relatives, but none were able to help. Their only source of support came from an uncle who lived far away in Somerset.

Meanwhile, their local housing organization threatened eviction unless they accepted an offer that would separate their family members. Feeling terrified and helpless, they found themselves without any viable options.

An Inconsistent System

Adding to their distress, Barnsley Council, the local authority, conveyed conflicting messages to Joshua and his family, making it difficult for them to know which steps to take.

Despite Joshua and Victoria Robertshaw having lived in the same house for an extended period of time, only Victoria’s name appeared on the tenancy agreement. Tragically, she passed away in August 2020 at the age of 45 due to COVID-19.

Now, Joshua and his family face an impossible situation as the council makes different decisions. Determined not to break up their family because of these circumstances, Joshua is resolute in finding a solution.

Dealing with the Consequences

An outright possession order was issued by the judge, necessitating that the occupants of the home vacate the property within seven days. Sanctuary Housing, the organization responsible for managing the property, stated that this decision was reached after months of non-payment of rent.

Despite all attempts to address the situation without legal action, the issue of rent arrears remains unresolved.

Working Towards a Solution

Recognizing the urgency of the matter, Barnsley Council is actively collaborating with all parties involved to find a new home for Joshua and his family. Their goal is to expedite the process and make room for another family on Barnsley’s waiting list.

Jenny Platts, the Barnsley counselor overseeing the case, has been providing advice and support to the couple, exploring alternative options. Additionally, the council is making every effort to facilitate a swift search for suitable temporary accommodation, including hotel stays.

In the face of adversity, Amy and Joshua are holding onto hope and doing everything in their power to secure a safe and stable home for their growing family.