Deadline descends on the Pratts

THE clock is still ticking for the Pratt family.

The family of seven has until 5pm to vacate their South Grafton home. Yesterday they still had not found another house to rent.

"As much as I feel like sitting down and bawling my head off that's not going to get us a house," Mrs Sharon Pratt said.

"I'm still hopeful and pray that something will come through today."

With the stress of imminent homelessness upon her, Mrs Pratt now has to pack up the entire contents of the home.

"We've still got a fair bit of packing to do and it's a massive job, but we'll keep plugging away," she said.

The family has two trailers to use for the big move, but has nowhere to store belongings while waiting in housing limbo.

"We'll have to leave it at a few friends places, on their verandahs and under their houses," Mrs Pratt said.

Victims of the Valley-wide housing shortage, the family has not been able to find a four-bedroom house to rent in Grafton and may move in with family friends today.