Couple with 13 kids face homelessness because landlords are ‘discriminating against them’ and say brood are a ‘problem’
A FAMILY of 15 are facing homelessness because they can’t find a house big enough for their brood – and landlords say so many children are a “problem”.
Dumfries couple Deborah and Craig Douglas and their 13 kids must move out of their home of five years in April after their landlady decided to sell.
But Deborah, 38, says they are being “discriminated” against because of the size of their family after being knocked back for a number of private lets.
And despite pleading with the council’s homeless department 15 months ago, housing chiefs still haven’t found them a property.
Deborah said: “We’ve got just nine weeks to find somewhere or we’ll be out in the street.
“It’s only thanks to our fantastic landlady that we’re not already homeless but she can’t wait much longer.
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“My husband works full time and we’ve applied for private lets but every time the landlord finds out we’ve got 13 kids, we’re refused.
“The last one told me having so many children would be a ‘problem’.
“I was in shock. My children aren’t a ‘problem’. They are all so lovely.
“There must be somewhere for us to go.”
Deborah and joiner Craig, 35, said they never planned on having a huge family when they met more than 17 years ago.
But they are now proud parents to baby Nate, Ellie, Liam, Troy, Cora, Eva, Zac, Indi, Rio, Ezmae, Aria, Zuri and Eboni.
Deborah is now faced with five loads of washing a day, and needs to buy in 25 eggs and three loaves for scrambled egg on toast.
But the proud mum “wouldn’t change it for the world”.
She told the Dumfries and Galloway Standard: “My kids are amazing and happy. They are well-mannered, clean and tidy and make Craig and I so very proud.
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“But the threat of homelessness hanging over us is really affecting my health.
“We need help and I’m not afraid to ask for it.”
A council spokeswoman said: “The council is actively working with a housing provider on a option to resolve their situation and Mr and Mrs Douglas have been kept informed of the situation during monthly updates with the family.
“The council is also actively working on options to ensure there is continued accommodation available until the permanent solution with the housing provider is available.”
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