To furnish homes of by ‘image problem’
livered “a house in a van” to women who have fled abusive relationships, people discharged from long-term hospital stays to empty homes, people with mental health issues who have been allocated accommodation after being discharged, and people who are just too poor to buy furniture from charity shops.
The donated items – they’ve saved at least 140 tonnes from landfill since 2014 – are stored in a century-old former church in Pontycymmer which they call The Gothic and also in Julian and Marianne’s home just around the corner. Marianne said that at one time they had 72 dining chairs in their living room.
They are assisted by a small and dedicated band of volunteers who help them despite health problems or while they are seeking paid work.
Richard Garfield, from Pontycymmer, 36, is among them. He has been out of work since 2012 and, after volunteering for Citizens’ Advice, started working with CFA six months ago.
“We are all helping out because we haven’t got jobs to go to and it’s heartbreaking seeing people who haven’t got anything – kids eating and sleeping on the floor.”
Richard said he knows first-hand how even those who are working can find themselves in difficulty.
“You can’t keep a place, run a car and keep and clothe yourself on minimum wage. I have tried.”
Marianne added: “People are desperate but now there is all this poverty shaming and people think it couldn’t happen to them.
“Once people are down it’s hard to get back up. Poverty is a lot of things – it’s about shame, lack of community and loneliness.
“It’s more than just fur- niture. We are creating a home and dignity.”
Marianne is appealing for more able-bodied and fit volunteers to help them with the “lugging and lifting” so they can help more people.
Volunteer Kevin has clocked up more than 1,000 hours with CFA so far but is no longer able to do heavy lifting due to illhealth. However, he does not want to give up helping those in need because “they are human”.
CFA is also looking for more donations from the Bridgend county area but cannot make pick-ups outside of the county.
Among the clean and usable items needed are vacuum cleaners, small wardrobes, cleaning supplies, pots and pans, kettles, toasters, mini-ovens and microwaves, trays, salt and pepper pots, coffee tables and TV stands, lamps and lampshades.
CFA can be contacted on 0759 731 7338.