Finding a home for better mental health

Alan*, an elderly gentleman, lost everything when his wife died suddenly. With no family around to support him in his grief his mental health deteriorated. Alongside this he was also made homeless, and ended up in a hostel far from his lifelong community, which meant that he was lonely, which affected his mental health further.

Despite chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a stroke, and severe mobility issues, he was making a thirty mile daily trip just to be near familiar faces to help combat his loneliness.

Our local partner had helped him to secure a safe flat closer to his friends, and support network. But Alan only owned a bag of clothes, and he needed many items to make his new flat into a home. He initially needed vinyl flooring for the shower room, a fridge, a bed and bedding.

The local partner said that these items would help to 'restore his health, end loneliness, reconnect him with his community and keep him safe.'

Acts 435 donors kindly gave towards this much-needed request, and Alan said to the local partner:

Is this really true? I'm actually going to get the flat and be able to move from this horrible place? You don't know what it means, all this. I haven't felt hopeful since my wife died 8 years ago but now I can start to live again, be back where I know people and just try to get healthy. You have done miracles and I just can't believe it.

*name changed for confidentiality