Chrystal Hendry completed her psychology degree in 2021 and was eager to embark on the next chapter of her life – pursuing a career as a counselor – when she found herself homeless. Chrystal, aged 30, has spinal muscular atrophy and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She requires constant care and specialized home adaptations like a bed hoist and wet room to maintain a comfortable living situation.
After being evicted in 2021, Chrystal endured a distressing period in unsuitable accommodations before eventually securing a rental in a different town. While not ideal, this new residence presented a better option compared to the council’s suggestion of relocating her and her care team to a single bedroom in an elderly dementia care facility. However, after four years, she is facing eviction once again.
Chrystal is just one of the 70,000 households in England grappling with homelessness while dealing with physical disabilities. Her current landlord intends to redevelop her current residence, leading to a ‘no fault’ eviction notice and a subsequent court repossession order.
As Chrystal awaits the arrival of bailiffs, she expresses the ongoing turmoil she has faced for the past four years. The uncertainty of her living situation has hindered her ability to focus on building a career and giving back to others. The looming threat of eviction, especially with essential equipment she relies on, adds an extra layer of fear and anxiety.
The challenges faced by Chrystal are not isolated incidents. A significant percentage of households seeking homelessness assistance in recent years have had physical health issues and disability support needs. This trend is on the rise, with nearly 70,000 such households identified in 2024/25, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
Despite these alarming statistics, many English councils appear ill-equipped to address the pressing need for accessible social housing. A lack of data on the number of individuals with disabilities waiting for housing and the duration of their wait reflects a concerning disregard for the needs of this vulnerable population.
Kensington and Chelsea Council stands out for having one of the longest waiting times for accessible social housing, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing suitable accommodations. The lack of comprehensive data underscores the urgent need for a more proactive and inclusive approach to housing accessibility.
The issue of affordable and accessible housing is further compounded by financial constraints, particularly for those reliant on housing benefits. The frozen state of these benefits, coupled with inadequate inflation adjustments, creates additional hurdles for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, who are often unable to work full-time.
In response to these pressing challenges, a parliamentary inquiry into disabled individuals in the housing sector has concluded, with the government pledging to unveil policies on new home accessibility. The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has emphasized the importance of addressing cases like Chrystal’s through decisive actions such as banning section 21 evictions and investing in the construction of accessible homes.
Despite receiving a personalized plan from Broxbourne Council to address her housing situation, Chrystal highlights the lack of viable solutions available to her. The limited availability of suitable housing options, coupled with financial constraints, leaves her feeling frustrated and abandoned by a system that fails to prioritize the needs of individuals with disabilities.
In conclusion, Chrystal’s story sheds light on the pervasive challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing adequate housing. The lack of accessible and affordable options, coupled with administrative barriers and financial limitations, underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and proactive approach to housing policy and provision.
SOURCE