A Friend From the Beginning: Celebrating Steve Tanner and Years of Faithful Support for Matthew’s House
Some people quietly become part of the foundations of a place.
They are not always the loudest voices, but they are often the most faithful.
Steve Tanner is one of those people at Matthew’s House.
From our earliest days on High Street, Steve has stood alongside Matthew’s House with generosity, humility and a genuine heart for people. Over the years, his support, along with that of his family and friends, has helped shape not just what we do, but how we do it.
This is a story of friendship, commitment and the power of showing up year after year.
Years of Fundraising, Friendship and Community Support
Since Matthew’s House first opened its doors, Steve and his wider circle have fundraised for us most years, bringing people together in creative and meaningful ways to support hospitality and hope in Swansea.
Most recently, Steve joined forces once again with his former Penlan School friends, class of 1978, hosting a fundraising reunion evening at Morriston Rugby Club. The result was an incredible £2,025 raised in 2025, directly supporting Matthew’s House during one of the most demanding seasons of the year.
That generosity helped us provide another Christmas Day service where 133 guests were welcomed, fed and cared for with dignity.
Behind every figure is a face.
Behind every pound is a story.
And behind this one is a community choosing to stand with others.
More Than Fundraising: Years of Volunteering and Practical Support
While many people know Steve as a fundraiser and supporter, what is less visible is the years of volunteering he gave behind the scenes at Matthew’s House.
Steve did not just support us financially. He rolled his sleeves up and got involved. He gave time. He noticed practical needs. He helped build the systems that still support guests today.
One of those moments was helping prepare our laundry room before it opened. That space has since become a vital part of how we offer dignity and care, allowing guests to wash clothes, reset and take a step forward with confidence.
It is easy to underestimate how important those practical moments are. At Matthew’s House, we know they are everything.
Family, Friends and a Shared Heart
Steve’s story is not his alone. His family and friends reflect the same spirit of generosity and care. Whether through fundraising events, Christmas support or simply standing with us year after year, they have helped make Matthew’s House what it is today.
This kind of support does not happen once. It grows through relationship, trust and shared values.
Steve and his people understand that Matthew’s House is not just a project.
It is a community.
A place where hospitality is offered without judgement.
A place where people are seen as people first.
One of Us
At Matthew’s House, we often say that some people are not just supporters, they are one of us.
Steve is one of those people.
From volunteering and practical setup work, to consistent fundraising and rallying others to join in, his story is woven into ours. He is part of the reason this place feels the way it does. Part of the reason we have been able to keep going, year after year.
To Steve, his family and every friend who has stood alongside him, thank you.
Thank you for believing in what we do.
Thank you for sticking with us.
Thank you for helping build something that continues to serve Swansea with hope and hospitality.
We are deeply grateful.