Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, so we’re proud to be making this a reality for 14 couples and individuals in Blaenllynfi.
Last week, we handed over the keys to the affordable homes, and our team of Housing Officers joined us on site to help customers get settled in.
The sun shone over Blaenllynfi as everyone unpacked their things, and the customers were excited to begin their new chapter. Here’s what they told us…
Phillip’s story
Phillip, father of three, spent 4 months in a hostel in Bridgend, sharing a 4-bedroom space while waiting for his own, stable home. He’d recently split up with his partner and had to move out and leave everything behind.
Moving into his new home meant more to Phillip than he could put into words. He said:
“I’m looking forward to the simple things: having my children stay over and ordering a Chinese. I haven’t slept properly in months and now I will finally get a good night’s sleep”.
“It means the world to have somewhere safe” – Victoria
Victoria, who lived in her mother’s private home until her mother passed away, has been on the housing register for 16 months while living in temporary accommodation. Despite suffering with arthritis which makes climbing stairs a challenge, her bedsit was on the top-floor and daily life was painful.
She said: “It means the world to now have somewhere safe where my family can come and visit me. The first thing I did was get all my furniture in so it feels like home.”
“I’m so happy and chuffed to have a home that’s mine.” – John
We also spoke to John, who moved to the area three years ago and has been living in Airbnbs, and houseshares with lots of stairs. After his landlord failed to pay the mortgage on his previous home, John had to join the housing list. After a few months of waiting, John was told that he’d been allocated one of our new flats.
He said: “It’s amazing. I’m so happy, so chuffed to have a home that’s mine. I don’t have to worry about the stairs anymore, and I can just enjoy life again.”
It’s heartwarming to hear that these new homes mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for our customers!
More about the development
The development comprises fourteen one-bed flats and six 2-4 bed houses that have been allocated by Bridgend Council to those most in need. Seven of the flats are ground-level with wetrooms to accommodate people with limited mobility.
The project cost around £3.5 million, with up to 70% of this being funded by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant. By having a mix of homes available, we’ll generate more rental income, which we can reinvest in our current homes.
As Amanda Davies, Chair of the Board, said “We know in Wales there is a housing crisis. A well-managed, risk-managed growth programme is good for the business. It will bring in income that will allow us to invest in our current homes.”