Caredig welcomes Climate Change Minister Julie James for launch of the ‘Ending Homelessness Action Plan’.
Our CEO, Marcia Sinfield, was delighted to welcome the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, and the Chief Executive of Crisis, Jon Sparkes, to one of our recent developments, which received social housing grant thanks to support from the Welsh Government and Swansea Council.

Left to right: Jon Sparkes (Chief Executive of Crisis), Centre: Julie James (Minister for Climate Change), Right: Marcia Sinfield, (Chief Executive)
The visit came as the Minister launched the Homelessness Action Plan which builds on the unprecedented work undertaken by all social authorities, social landlords, public services and third sector partners for those experiencing or threatened with homelessness during the pandemic. The recommendations of the independent expert Homelessness Action Group, of which Crisis are a member, reflects the changes required to prevent homelessness and make the shift to rapid rehousing so that people are in temporary accommodation for the shortest possible time.
During the visit a Caredig tenant, Jonathan, met the minister and spoke of the challenges he has overcome. As an adult, Jonathan found himself sofa surfing or sleeping in his car for extended periods. After receiving a network of support, Jonathan now lives in a good quality and affordable one bedroom home rented to him by Caredig, and works full-time for The Wallich, helping homeless people like he once was, into supported housing.
Jonathan said “The last few years have been the hardest and most rewarding I have ever had.”
“I pinch myself that I’ve come from a bedsit to something so beautiful. I used to sofa surf or sleep in my car, but now I have my own home. And I pay for this with the money I earn. It makes me really proud. I keep it spotless!
In my new job I support people in the situation that I’ve also been in, to show them that life can be different and here’s how to make it better. I just want to help people like I’ve been helped”
Marcia Sinfield, CEO said “We were delighted to be able to meet the Minister for Climate Change and the Chief Executive of Crisis. Hearing Jonathan’s powerful story reinforced more than ever, the importance of a good home. We are proud to be able to provide homes to support those at risk of homelessness.”
You can read the Welsh Government press release here