Facing Eviction: A Young Family’s Struggle for Stability

Amy and Joshua, a couple in their twenties with three young children and another on the way, are facing the imminent threat of homelessness after receiving just a week’s notice to vacate their rented home. The couple, who rely on government support, have been unable to keep up with their rent payments, leading to this precarious situation.

As they grapple with the reality of eviction, Amy and Joshua are still uncertain about where they will find shelter for their family once they leave their current home. Despite needing housing assistance, they found little support from family, except a kind gesture from an uncle in Somerset.

The couple faced an impossible choice when the housing authority threatened eviction if they didn’t accept a plan that would split their family. Feeling frightened and powerless, Amy and Joshua are struggling to navigate the signals from Barnsley Council, which has complicated their decision-making process.

Joshua and Victoria Robertshaw had shared a home for many years, but the lease only had Victoria’s name on it. Tragically, Victoria passed away from COVID-19 in August 2020 at the age of 45. Joshua, now dealing with the aftermath, is determined not to separate his family, despite the uncertain directives from the council making their situation even more unstable.

Recently, a court ordered the tenants to leave the property within seven days, turning their world upside down. An spokesperson from Sanctuary Housing explained that the decision was the result of accumulating unpaid rent, despite extensive efforts to resolve the issue diplomatically.

The family has lived in the home for months without paying rent. Efforts to resolve the situation peacefully have been unfruitful, leading to the current predicament. Barnsley Council has been actively working with the involved parties to swiftly relocate the family, aiming to free up the home for other families in need.

Jenny Platts, the Barnsley counselor managing the case, explained that the housing department had offered Amy and Joshua advice and outlined potential solutions. They are committed to helping the family find suitable accommodations as quickly as possible, given the circumstances.