I am reaching out with a personal and urgent request to be allowed to stay in my beloved community. Currently, I am facing the challenge of being moved from my well-established connections and support network due to council policies that are threatening my ability to remain in the same area. An empty house on my street, which has remained vacant for several months, could provide a perfect solution to my situation by alleviating the overcrowding in my current residence. I am on Band A, so my need for decent housing is recognized, yet no action has been taken to consider my unique situation and give priority to easy transitions for families like mine.

My circumstances are quite challenging. I have ongoing health issues which are significantly supported by the reliable presence of my neighbors and the community we have become a part of. Furthermore, my daughter, who has additional needs and is currently awaiting multiple assessments, relies heavily on the familiar surroundings and people that she trusts in our neighborhood. Forcing us to move would disrupt her wellbeing and development, creating unnecessary stress on her and our entire family.

Remaining in our community is the most logical and humane option. It allows my family access to our current support network, including my doctors, our neighbors who provide so much assistance, the local schools that understand our family circumstances, and various community resources. These established relationships provide the stable foundation we need during these trying times.

I urge the council to consider the long-term impacts of uprooting families like mine. By allowing us access to the vacant house nearby, you would ensure that we remain active and supported members of this community. Please sign this petition to help bring our case to the attention it needs so that we can continue calling our neighborhood home.