Help to make a forever home

When pensioner Cyril Davis* moved into his new Wales & West Housing home after being homeless – he had no furniture and no basics for cooking.

But with a little help from his local Tenancy Support Officer (TSO), he is now settling into his new home.

“He had been made homeless through no fault of his own and was desperate,” TSO Donna Samuel said.

“He was claiming a basic State Pension and wasn’t sure how he was going to afford to buy what he needed to live.”
TSO Donna Samuel

Donna helped him to apply for a Discretionary Assistance Fund grant to buy some furniture and white goods for his new home. However, his application was refused by the local authority as he was not claiming Pension Credit.

So, Donna turned to the team who manage the Homelessness Prevention Fund at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC) for help.

Donna says: “It was the first time they had been asked to provide financial support for furniture and kitchen essentials, but I discussed the situation with them, and they arranged for a local business to install a cooker and fridge freezer at Mr Davis’ flat. They also ordered other essential items online to be delivered to Mr Davis.

“With everyone feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, I can’t thank the team at MTCBC enough for their efforts.”
Donna Samuel

“I was most impressed with the way the team went out their way to make sure that a vulnerable older gentleman who had no furniture or white goods, and was not in a position to buy them, was prevented from having such a miserable start in his new home.”

“The way they went above and beyond to demonstrate kindness and consideration is something to be proud of.