A mother and her three children are homeless after a series of unfortunate events following the death of her partner.
Toni Vale and her kids became homeless after a tragedy and a domino effect started. Her partner passed away, which caused them to lose their home. They rented another place, but lost that too because the landlord didn’t pay the mortgage and the bank took the house back.
Toni has children aged four, eleven, and fifteen. She almost secured a house in Erdington, but it failed an energy inspection, so the deal fell through. The family moved between hotels, eventually staying at the Talbot Hotel.
Neither Birmingham nor Sandwell Council assisted them with housing at the Talbot Hotel. Toni asked for help from BirminghamLive, saying her children are suffering because losing her partner caused a chain reaction and trauma. She said they must keep going, even with that pain.
Birmingham Council said they are eligible for help, however, they sent the case to Sandwell Council. They claimed the family has no connection to Birmingham. Toni says her kids go to school in Birmingham, their doctors and family are there, and they have lived there for thirteen years.
Sandwell Council received the referral but did not act. Toni feels the councils pass the blame and said the system is failing them. She found the Talbot Hotel by waiting in a council office, and Sandwell Children’s Services funded a two-night stay. The family can’t get housing support.
Toni asked where they would go next, stating they have nowhere to go, which the councils know. She worried her kids might go into care because, she claims, the council will not help, and she feels caught between the councils.
She has proof Birmingham sent the referral. She has guarantors and a deposit ready, but she can’t work without a home. Many places take DSS, but housing demand is high. She said the councils are fighting and avoiding responsibility.
Birmingham Council said homelessness is stressful, and they want to prevent it and help those affected. Social housing demand exceeds supply, and applications take many years. They reviewed her case and the decision was correct, but they will review new information urgently. Sandwell Council told BirminghamLive to contact Birmingham.