A single mother-of-two from Romford has revealed how she was left on the brink of eviction after losing her job to care for her ill daughter and wrongly missing out on months of benefit payments.

Joanitta Nambozo, who lives in Wideford Drive, was sent an eviction notice by her private landlord after her rental arrears piled up.

A technical problem in her Universal Credit application meant she did not receive housing benefits she was entitled to.

But Havering Council has said the notice has now been withdrawn after it stepped in and offered back-dated housing allowance that she was eligible for in the past three months.

But Joanitta told the Recorder that, even with this help, the issue has left her with bills she cannot afford to pay.

Joanitta, 35, said: “While I was waiting for the back-dated payments, I have gone into debt because I have taken out loans and I have also relied on family and friends to help me for my accommodation. I have maxed out my credit cards.”

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Her three-year-old daughter, Sophia, has a rare autoimmune disease that has seen her be treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The condition will see her need regular treatment in future, according to her mum.

Joanitta said she lost her job as a personal assistant in January, after revealing her daughter's circumstances to her employer.

Romford Recorder: Joanitta Nambozo, 35, has herself been suffering from depression and anxiety after the untimely death of her sister last yearJoanitta Nambozo, 35, has herself been suffering from depression and anxiety after the untimely death of her sister last year (Image: Joanitta Nambozo)

She said she has no money spare for food and living expenses each month, as her housing allowance and benefits do not fully cover the cost of her rent.

Joanitta, a carer for her parents, also said she has had depression and anxiety after her sister died last year.

Faced with dire circumstances, she had to turn to foodbanks to be able to feed her children in recent months and has been urging the council for help.

Councillor Paul McGeary, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m glad we’ve been able to step in to support Ms Nambozo through this difficult time and stop the eviction from taking place.”

He added that the council has been working with Joanitta’s letting agent and the Department for Work and Pensions to help push through her support.

He shared: “We will continue to help her apply for grants and allowances to support her family, as well as work with her to find more affordable accommodation that caters for her needs.”

Joanitta’s housing situation will be reviewed by the council in three months, and the council has offered to help her find suitable accommodation that she can afford. 

But she has been told by her housing officer that there is no place available that matches her needs at the moment.

Joanitta remains anxious about her future.

She said: “They think that they can fix things in the next couple of months, but I have to look at my life and the position now.

"I am constantly searching for places and this situation is so draining for me. People have to factor in my mental health and the fact that I am taking care of two very young children. I don’t know what to do.”

She is also fundraising towards Sophia’s treatment.

She said in her appeal: “There is no cure for JDM (Juvenile Dermatomyositis) currently, so she (Sophia) will need ongoing care involving a mix of medications and physiotherapy amongst other treatments to manage the condition.”  

Visit her Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sophia-through-treatment-and-recovery.