Pining for a Permanent Residence After 13 Years
Living in limbo for over a decade, Tom Weaver, an army veteran, opened up about the toll the uncertainty has taken on his mental well-being. Situated in temporary housing provided by The Wallich, a homelessness charity in Bridgend, Tom has faced challenges in securing a permanent residence due to the necessary accommodations for his wheelchair accessibility. In light of the chronic scarcity of suitable housing options for individuals and families, Tom is urging the Welsh government to address this pressing issue as he eagerly awaits a solution to his housing woes.
Having suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2012, which rendered him paralyzed on his left side and partially blind, Tom now relies on an electric wheelchair for mobility. Despite the local authority making some adaptations to his initial residence, subsequent relocations have proven to be less than ideal for his needs. Disheartened by the unsuitability of the properties offered to him, Tom expressed his frustration over encountering obstacles like narrow hallways and inaccessible rooms in supposedly wheelchair-friendly homes.
Preferring to dwell on the positives, Tom expressed his contentment with his present abode under the management of the Wallich and Bridgend Council. Forming connections and feeling a sense of belonging in his current environment, Tom appreciates the understanding demonstrated by the local authorities. However, the lingering uncertainty about his future housing situation continues to cast a shadow over his contentment, prompting him to advocate for better housing solutions not only for himself but also for other struggling individuals and families in similar circumstances.
Highlighting the stark housing crisis in Wales, recent data revealed a staggering backlog of 139,000 individuals waiting for social housing by the end of 2023, with figures indicating a rise in homelessness rates. In February 2025, there were an estimated 125 rough sleepers and over 11,000 homeless individuals residing in temporary accommodation across Wales. With impending legislation set to revolutionize the approach to homelessness in Wales, the proposed Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill aims to streamline services, enhance prevention measures, and target vulnerable demographics to combat the pervasive issue of homelessness at its core
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