A homelessness and rough sleepers’ support charity in Wales has said it is ‘overwhelmed’ by the generosity of a retired couple who have donated two homes.

The gift has been made by retired professors Valerie and Chris Norris from Swansea to the charity Wallich.

The homes will become part of the charity’s Swansea based ‘Alternative to Bed and Breakfast Accommodation’ scheme', which houses people in emergency need for a short period before being moved to permanent accommodation.

The scheme helps to tackle a lack of quality temporary housing in the city as an alternative to bed and breakfast accommodation, which is historically used by councils to support people experiencing homelessness.

The couple, who met on a dating website, said they had made the donation after selling their separate homes. This saw them buy one home and another for the charity, after seeing the charity’s chief executive speaking about homelessness on TV.

“It is worth saying that we are not wealthy, but we are comfortable financially,” said the couple.

“It was part of our decision-making process that we don’t want to do things like international travel – we’ve both done more than enough of that in our careers – so we could commit the money for the two houses and still have the things that we like in life.

“Perhaps leasing them to The Wallich was the first step with a safety net, and then we decided we no longer needed the net.

“The other consideration was that we have four children between us (and nine grandchildren) who will already benefit from our Wills in other ways, so that ceased to be a factor.

“We hope our donation provides safety for people in need and that more people who have a little more to give, think about how they can support people where they live.”

Wallich director Mike Bobbett said: “A donation of one house for people supported by The Wallich is huge – a donation of two houses is extraordinary.

“Valerie and Chris are brilliant. They care about people, and they are shining examples of the kindness of people in the world. We’re overwhelmed by their generosity.”

“The Wallich is excited to prepare the two donated houses to be a safety net for people in Swansea.”

He added: “With more than 11,000 people living in temporary accommodation in Wales, and few places to move people into long term, meeting the community’s basic needs is becoming more challenging.

"We will continue to work with the local authority, agencies in Swansea and people on the streets to make sure this resource is fully utilised.

“Valerie and Chris are shining examples of the good in people and we hope their donation will inspire to use what they have to end homelessness in Wales.”

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