Story:

Hospitality and Hope in the heart of Swansea

Matthews House exists to provide a warm and welcoming building in the heart of Swansea, with the expressed intention of being accessible for the homeless and most vulnerable in Swansea. We aim for it to have the feel of a home where hospitality is experienced by all who enter the doors, regardless of their background, beliefs or circumstances.

Volunteering at this cafe for 7 years has brought me a sense of great reward. Being proactive, while bringing something to the community has allowed me to build great friendships and witness how thankful guests are for the meals they are provided. The initial aim of the Matthews House project has been to intercept food waste destined for landfill and use it to feed people who need it, on a pay-as-you feel basis. During my time here, I have seen the organisation grow more and more in it’s faithful charity. Examples of these projects include:

Distribution of dignitary packs to men and women who need it most - which is done through the Homeless period in Swansea initiative. Items in these packs include sanitary pads, deodorants, dental care and more.

Matt’s Showers – facilities which provide showers for guests and laundry services is available to use.

Creation of the Swansea Hope online App - Makes it easier for people to receive help. Getting in touch with the right people/services is much more convenient and easy for people to find the right help. For example the app will allow someone who is maybe struggling with abuse find the right person/organisation to reach, by the touch of a button. General information which can go a mile away in helping someone, can also be found on this app.

Matt’s café has built stronger community and unleashed amazing fun through the Matthews House Choir project. Volunteers of Matthews House meet up to practice their vocals and then later put them to the test by attending musical events/festivals. I attended the Horton Hullaballo festival last summer which had a great atmosphere, where the choir singers and attendees were having great fun.

The Greenhill Gardens project will be completed later this year!. This will help create a more outdoor green urban space. More conversations will be able to take place with guests. Habitat walls or also known as Green walls, will be built to help the environment. More cooking and sitting space will be allowed for the community to gather and connect. The project will also help guests have better wellbeing, education and employability. Greenhill gardens will help create a better sense of community by offering it’s services to anyone who wishes to visit.

One guest had quoted recently "I am not kidding, the support and kindness I've received here at Matthews House has changed my life".

Lastly, running for Matthews House at the Swansea half marathon, has real significance to me because Matthews House and Swansea are both my home. So if you can, please fundraise to this great cause helping those in need of the city of Swansea, I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much 😊.