Homeless, scared and living on a makeshift bed while dealing with cancer
BBCA homeless woman with lung cancer is sleeping on a makeshift bed in her friend's living room because she says the accommodation offered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is unsuitable for her needs.
Fatima, who is from Sudan, found out she had lung cancer in January and had surgery in March to remove a tumour and is due to start a long course of chemotherapy treatment.
She is a victim of human trafficking and has been given the right to stay in Northern Ireland. However she has not found a permanent home and has been mainly staying in temporary accommodation like B&Bs.
The NIHE said it is "actively working to find other solutions" but there are "limited" options for Fatima.
"I told the housing (NIHE) what happened to me, I gave them every report from the GP and doctor about that and tell them I need help to find a small house or single let for me," said Fatima.
She said her recovery so far has been "not good".
"I still have a problem in my wound... I take a lot of medicine for that, I feel so bad and tired."
In a letter to the NIHE, Fatima's doctor advised against placing her in shared accommodation, due to her past traumas and also complications from her treatment, including a lowered immune system.
However the NIHE offered Fatima a room with an ensuite in a hostel, which she declined, as it has limited visitation.
What has the Housing Executive said?
Fatima said she relies on friends to bring her medication, painkillers and food but they would not be allowed to visit her in this hostel.
"Only staff from hostel can go in my room, not anyone else can go in my room and see me or visit me," said Fatima.
"That is so bad, I can't do that because it's very difficult for me. I need my friends, I need help. Because of that I tell the housing (NIHE) 'I can't go to this hostel, can you see for me another option":[]}