A couple has donated two houses to a homelessness charity to help ease the housing crisis. 

Retired professors Chris and Valerie Norris, of Swansea, said they decided to give the four-bedroom properties to the homelessness and rough sleeping charity The Wallich after seeing the charity’s chief executive on television. 

The couple said that after settling down together they had sold the two houses they each previously owned and bought one, leading them to “hit upon the audacious idea of buying a house for those in need”.

Valerie Norris said: “It is worth saying that we are not wealthy, but we are comfortable financially. 

“It was part of our decision-making process that we don’t want to do things like international travel – we’ve both done more than enough of that in our careers – so we could commit the money for the two houses and still have the things that we like in life. 

“The other consideration was that we have four children between us (and nine grandchildren) who will already benefit from our wills in other ways, so that ceased to be a factor.

“We hope our donation provides safety for people in need and that more people who have a little more to give, think about how they can support people where they live.”

Mike Bobbett, a director at The Wallich, said the charity was overwhelmed by the couple’s generosity. 

He said: “A donation of one house for people supported by The Wallich is huge – a donation of two houses is extraordinary. 

“The Wallich is excited to prepare the two donated houses to be a safety net for people in Swansea. 

“With more than 11,000 people living in temporary accommodation in Wales, and few places to move people into long term, meeting the community’s basic needs is becoming more challenging. 

“We will continue to work with the local authority, agencies in Swansea and people on the streets to make sure this resource is fully utilised.

“Valerie and Chris are shining examples of the good in people and we hope their donation will inspire others to use what they have to end homelessness in Wales.”