What You Told Us
At Matthew’s House, we exist to provide hospitality and hope to anyone who needs it, especially those facing homelessness, hunger or hardship.
In Spring 2025, 91 of our guests shared their honest thoughts through our Guest Survey. Their feedback gave us deep insight into how we are doing and what more we can do. Their voices carry weight. And we are listening.
This is what they told us.
And this is what we are doing about it.
Who We Support
Matthew’s House supports up to 250 people a week, with an average of 119 guests each day we are open. Guests come from all walks of life. Many are facing difficult circumstances, and we are here to walk alongside them.
Of the guests surveyed:
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46 percent visit most days
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27 percent come once a week
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7 percent were on their first visit
Most of our guests return regularly, and we are honoured they choose to keep coming back.
55 percent told us they live in a home. The remaining 45 percent are experiencing some form of homelessness.
The majority of our guests are now men in their 40s and 50s, though we also support younger people in their 20s and older guests well into their 60s and beyond. We also welcomed many women, most often in their 40s.
Why Guests Come to Matthew’s House
Guests could tick all the reasons that applied. The top three reasons were:
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Food support
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Community and friendship
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Mental health and wellbeing
This reflects what we hear every day. Food may bring people in, but it is the welcome, care and kindness that bring them back.
How Helpful Is Matthew’s House?
94 percent of guests said Matthew’s House is helpful or very helpful. Many mentioned the kindness of volunteers, the feeling of safety and the dignity they experienced here.
In their own words:
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“I had food for the first time in nine days. Thank you.”
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“You help us like people, not problems.”
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“Being here makes me feel safe.”
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“I lost my job and struggled mentally. This place gave me purpose again.”
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“Matthew’s House is a Godsend.”
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“You help in every way you possibly could.”
What Matthew’s House Has Changed
Guests told us how this place has made a difference in their lives.
Practical help
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“It saves me money to eat here.”
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“You helped me with food and everything.”
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“Great food, the best clothes and shoes, the best gifts and hygiene.”
Community and friendship
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“A chance to get out and talk to people.”
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“Warm, welcoming, supported.”
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“Very helpful when I feel the need for company.”
Mental health and dignity
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“Always kind and helpful and understanding.”
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“It is a place I can be myself without shame.”
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“You helped me and my father sit and eat together again.”
What Could Be Improved?
78 percent of guests said no improvements were needed. That encouraged us deeply.
Of the guests who did share suggestions, the main requests were:
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To open more days
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To have a foodbank or food to take away
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To improve communication
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To make some small changes to how food is served
We are taking every suggestion seriously and some changes are already underway.
What You Said to Our Supporters
We asked guests to share a short message for the people who make Matthew’s House possible. Here are just a few:
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“You are life savers.”
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“Thanks for the love, the food and the dignity.”
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“I travel from Cwmbran just to be here. It is worth it.”
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“It is more than food. It is a home.”
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“God bless you all. You are real people helping real people.”
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“Without this place I would starve.”
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“The best house on the High Street.”
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“Keep doing what you are doing. You are changing lives.”
Thank You
To every guest who took part in the survey, thank you. Your honesty, your presence and your voice are valued more than you know. You help shape the future of Matthew’s House.
To every volunteer, funder, and supporter, you are helping write a story of dignity, hope and welcome in this city. One meal. One moment. One person at a time.