Too Long in Temporary: South London’s Fight for Permanent Homes

By Nia Mensah

The Weight of Uncertainty

For thousands of families in London, “temporary” accommodation has become a permanent condition. Rooms intended for short-term stays stretch into months or years, with families living in cramped conditions that undermine health, stability, and dignity.

In some boroughs, the basic act of doing laundry can cost families hundreds of pounds a year. Parents describe having to choose between clean clothes and other essentials, and the stress of these choices seeps into every aspect of daily life.

The Human Toll

Children grow up without a fixed home, moving between locations as councils struggle to find suitable housing. The instability affects schooling, friendships, and mental health. Parents often hide their struggles, but the weight is visible—missed work, sleepless nights, and constant worry about the next move.

One mother in South London recalls the exhaustion of travelling long distances to wash clothes, and the constant need to keep her child indoors to avoid extra laundry costs. For many, the hardship is not just financial—it’s the slow erosion of hope.

A Grassroots Response

Community organisations have stepped in where systems have failed. Campaigns bring together families, advocates, and local leaders to demand better standards, more affordable housing, and practical support for those stuck in the cycle of temporary living.

These movements are fuelled by personal stories, which cut through statistics and show the reality of life in limbo. By sharing their experiences, residents are building collective pressure for policy change.

A Call for Change

Ending the overreliance on temporary accommodation will require more than individual goodwill. It means addressing the shortage of social housing, reforming allocation systems, and investing in the spaces and services that make life liveable while families wait for a permanent home.