Alison Hammond has been moved to tears after speaking with a homeless mother for a new campaign with the charity Shelter. The 50-year-old TV presenter met Alicia, a 39-year-old single mother living in temporary accommodation in London with her six-year-old son, Aeon.
Alicia and her son have been homeless for nearly six years – the entirety of Aeon's life. She described being moved from one temporary home to another, battling mould, damp, and mice. Her Christmas to-do list includes buying mouse traps, chasing repairs, and tackling mould, all while trying to make the holiday special for her son.
Alison said: 'I couldn't believe what Alicia was telling me – it really got me. She's a single mum the same way that I am so I really felt connected to her. No one should have to live how Alicia and Aeon are living. They've been in temporary accommodation for over five years – that doesn't feel very temporary to me.'
The campaign comes as homelessness in England reaches record levels. Data shows 172,420 children are currently homeless in temporary accommodation – the highest number since records began 21 years ago. Alison added: 'Alicia feels forgotten, and I'm not surprised. When I was younger, my mum was given a social home and it was a real lifeline. I wish that was the case for Alicia and Aeon.'
