Homeless Veteran From Byker Gets ‘Keys – No Fees’
An ex-soldier from Byker is the first to benefit from a 'keys - no fees' scheme.
34 year old Ian Griffiths was preparing to live on the streets after being treated in hospital for PTSD and depression.
He’d served in the Armed Forces for 14 years, but since he left three years ago he’s been in and out of work and sofa surfing at family and friends houses.
Paul Banning from Belle Vue Estate Agents heard about Ian's plight and last week moved him into one of his empty flats in Byker.
Paul announced last month all his empty properties would go free to homeless veterans.
His original Facebook post, searching for people in need, was shared more than 60,000 times on the site.
Belle Vue are now working with charities to help people like Ian with things like bills and furniture until they’re back on their feet.
Ian said:
“I was thinking I can’t go back to moving from one sofa to the other, worrying about where I can live. I just thought it was going to be the case when I leave hospital, I’d go to Argos and buy a tent.”
“One of the nurses saw the ad that Paul but on Facebook, so I got in touch and within three of four days of speaking to him he had a flat lined up for me.”
“I can’t believe the change, I had nothing and now I’ve got everything. It’s changed my life. I cannot thank them enough.”
Paul, Owner of Belle Vue Estates, said:
“We’re hoping that we’re gonna get a lot more. It’s just getting the right people coming into us who’ve been through the charities first to make sure that they’re right to have a property at the time.”
“I didn’t think it would help somebody as much as it has for Ian. It’s meant an awful lot to us, it’s been really heart-warming.”
Anyone who knows a veteran struggling with homelessness contact Bell Vue Estates on 0191 491 3940