The Reality of Emergency Housing approved by Sevenoaks.Council: A Fight for Basic Dignity
I never thought I’d find myself here—writing about the utter lack of basic human necessities in the emergency accommodation provided to me by the Sevenoaks Housing Department. Yet here I am, sharing a story of frustration, bureaucracy, and the struggle for dignity.
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When I first moved into this accommodation, I assumed it would meet the most basic standards of living. However, it quickly became clear that this was not the case. There is no shower—just a bathtub. For most, that might sound like a minor inconvenience, but for me, it’s a serious issue.
I am 51 years old and menopausal, and being able to take a shower isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about managing my hot flashes and maintaining my health. A shower is the one thing that helps me feel somewhat normal during this challenging time. But instead of having access to this basic necessity, I’ve been forced to wash myself using a cut plastic bottle, filling it repeatedly to rinse off.
My Attempts to Resolve the Issue
- Contacting the Management Company:
I reached out to the management company overseeing the accommodation. Their response? “It’s not our responsibility.” They dismissed my concerns entirely, even though they know I’m not allowed to install anything myself under the terms of the emergency housing contract. - Writing to the Sevenoaks Council:
I shared my situation with the Sevenoaks Council, attaching photos of the plastic bottle I use to wash and explaining why a shower is essential for my health. I thought they’d step in to help, but instead, I was told that I need a letter from my GP to prove that I need a shower.
Let me get this straight: a grown woman, explaining her medical needs and attaching evidence of how degrading the current situation is, isn’t enough? I need a letter from my GP to justify why I shouldn’t have to live like this?
- Seeking a GP Letter:
Despite my frustration, I wrote to my GP, explaining the situation and asking for a letter to support my case. It feels absurd to go through this extra step just to prove what should already be obvious: that having a functional shower in one’s home is a basic necessity.
The Bigger Issue
This isn’t just about me. How many others in emergency housing are forced to endure similar indignities because the system fails to provide the bare minimum? The Sevenoaks Housing Department and their associated management companies need to be held accountable for ensuring that emergency accommodations meet basic standards.
A Call for Change
To the Sevenoaks Council: I’m asking you to step up and take responsibility. It’s not enough to pass the blame or create more hurdles for residents. Basic hygiene is a right, not a privilege.
If you’ve faced similar issues with housing in Sevenoaks, let’s come together and demand better. This shouldn’t be the reality for anyone.
