A Laois mother is asking for help as she and her family find themselves on the brink of being made homeless.
Denise Malone, from Ballyfin, and her three children have lived in private rental accommodation in Portlaoise since 2020.
However, the property is being repossessed from their landlord, and on Saturday, May 10, the family will be evicted from their home.
The cost of a mortgage, the cost of renting, and the limited availability of houses have combined to create an incredible burden for Ms Malone and her family.
She now finds herself in a situation where despite working a full-time job, she and her children, who attend both primary and secondary schools in the area, are facing the prospect of imminent homelessness.
“I work full time. Myself and my partner are over the income threshold for social housing,” Ms Malone said.
“We have attempted to get viewings on properties that are far beyond our means… nowhere is accepting our applications,” Ms Malone said.
“We are linked in with each estate agent and again, nothing.”
Ms Malone has been in contact with Laois County Council and has continued to plead her case, saying she and her partner “will happily pay extra to cover arrears on the landlord’s mortgage” if that would “buy (them) some time.”
“I have no family to stay with and nowhere to go,” Ms Malone said.
“I do not have enough space in our family car for us all to sleep in it.
“I have always paid my way, always paid my taxes, and now I’m asking for help.
“My children are what I live for and I will do everything to protect them until my last dying breath.”
