Case Study: Creating Safe, Comfortable Homes for Veterans

After caring for a family member through a serious illness, we received a referral from a local veteran to help him to overcome another major challenge.

To make space for a hospital bed for his loved one, he had moved much of his furniture into the garage. Unfortunately, a leaking roof destroyed almost everything they owned.

When he moved home shortly afterwards, he was left without the basic furniture needed to make it a home. Living on Universal Credit and unable to work due to service-related injuries and PTSD, buying new furniture simply wasn't an option. Other sources of support weren't affordable either.

A friend of the ex-serviceman, who knew we could help, recommended Foundations.

When he visited Foundations, we were able to provide the essential items he needed, including a bed and sofa, and we were able to deliver his items quickly.

We contacted the gentleman a few months later to see if his furniture had made a positive difference, and if he required any further support. He told us:-

"It's a good service. Really helpful staff. It helps people without the means to get good furniture. I would have been sleeping on the floor otherwise. I know I can come back and get more items if I need them."

Since receiving support, he reported improvements across several areas of his wellbeing. This includes confidence, mental and physical health, self-esteem and a feeling of being more supported by others.

"I feel slightly more independent knowing there is a service like this available to me. I know now I can sort out my new home. Beforehand, the worry had taken it's toll on my physical health, but this has improved. I was worrying about moving without the items I needed, on top of suffering from PTSD, but this has since improved."

We see first hand how a furnished home can quickly reduce stress and anxiety, removing the worry of where people will sleep or sit, or where they will store their belongings. We also see the reassurance and confidence that comes from knowing support is there when they need it.

For veterans and others facing difficult circumstances, Foundations Furniture helps people to create a comfortable place to call home.

Foundations is a registered charity (1090034) that collects unwanted, usable furniture and electrical items from across Tyne and Wear to help Gateshead residents in hardship who struggle to afford to furnish their homes. To find out more, visit our website www.foundationsfurniture.co.uk, or call 0191 4778337.

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