Retired Couple Donates Two Homes to Homelessness Charity
A retired couple from Swansea, Chris Norris, 77, and his wife Valerie Norris, 71, have made an incredible gesture by donating two homes to a homelessness charity, The Wallich. This act of kindness was driven by their desire to help those in need of shelter and support in their community. The Norris couple, both former professors, met on a dating site and decided to combine their resources to make a difference in the lives of homeless individuals.
Valerie, a materials engineer turned novelist, and Chris, a philosopher-poet with a string of publications, explained that they were inspired to donate the properties after realising the extent of help homeless individuals require. They shared that after consolidating their assets, including selling two houses to buy one, they felt compelled to give back to the community. The couple came up with the idea of purchasing a house specifically for those in need, after seeing The Wallich’s CEO on television.
The two four-bedroom houses donated by the Norrises will provide temporary shelter for people in emergency situations in Swansea before they transition to more permanent accommodation. Despite not being classified as wealthy, Valerie emphasised that they are comfortable financially due to their conscious choices with expenses. By refraining from unnecessary luxuries like international travel, they were able to allocate funds towards supporting those experiencing homelessness.
Initially, the couple had leased the properties to The Wallich but later decided to donate them outright, viewing it as a natural progression in their philanthropic journey. Valerie highlighted that their children and grandchildren, who are already accounted for in their wills, played a role in their decision-making process. The director of The Wallich, Mike Bobbett, expressed gratitude for the exceptional donation, noting how the two houses will significantly impact and support those in need in Swansea.
With over 11,000 people living in temporary accommodation in Wales, the contribution of the Norrises comes at a crucial time when resources for individuals experiencing homelessness are limited. The Wallich aims to work closely with local authorities and agencies to ensure that the donated houses serve their intended purpose effectively. The compassionate gesture of Valerie and Chris serves as a beacon of hope and kindness, inspiring others to consider how they can contribute to ending homelessness in Wales.
The generosity shown by the Norris couple is a testament to the power of individuals to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Their selfless act serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy towards those in need. Through their donation, they have exemplified the spirit of giving and solidarity, demonstrating that even a small gesture can have a significant and lasting impact on those facing adversity.