Glasgow pensioner who helps the homeless had no heating for two years

Isabella Graham faithfully makes a late-night bus journey four times a week into Glasgow city centre to cook meals with Homeless Project Scotland for those living on the streets.

However, no one knew the 72-year-old was herself struggling and was being forced to use a tiny electric heater to try and keep her home warm after her boiler broke and she was unable to afford a repair or replacement.

The proud OAP was too ashamed to admit that her own home was freezing, but when her colleagues at the charity found out about her plight, they immediately stepped in to help.

Isabella, from Shawlands, said: “My boiler was old and when it stopped working, I didn’t have the money to replace it or even fix it.

"I could only afford a small electric heater and it was so expensive to use. I’d wear layers of clothes and sit in front of the wee fan to keep warm.

“The cost of using it meant I was burning through my pension every week, but I didn’t want anyone to know how bad things were. I’d boil kettles of water and fill up some of the bath just to get a heat in me.

“The summer months were bearable, but the winter was awful. My windows are old, and my home was freezing. I suppose after a while I got used to it and just tried to get on with things.”

After hearing about Isabella’s problems, staff at Homeless Project Scotland stepped in.

The charity, which runs a food kitchen, an outreach support arm and supplies over 130,00 meals to the homeless and vulnerable each year, found two generous companies who wanted to help the selfless pensioner for free.

Jason Cowan, who runs Notorious Plumbing Glasgow, supplied and fitted a new £5000 boiler for free, while Scott Smith from Clyde Built Home Improvements is now supplying and installing new windows for no cost at Isabella’s flat.

Jason and Scott both say they were only too happy to get their tradesmen on the job after learning about the awful conditions she was living in.

Jason said: “I knew I had to help when I heard Isabella had gone without heating or hot water for two years.

"No one should have to live like that, and it was my way of giving something back to a wonderful lady who does so much for others.”

Jason Cowan with Isabella (Image: Supplied)

Scott added: “Isabella deserves the comfort and dignity of a cosy home. The new windows are being installed this week.

"It’s our pleasure to help a such a fantastic lady completely free of charge.”

Chair of Homeless Project Scotland, Colin McInnes, told the Glasgow Times the charity was desperate to help Isabella.

The team are also looking for anyone who would be willing to decorate and carpet her home free of charge.

Colin said: “As soon as we realised she had no heating or hot water, we knew we had to step in. Isabella is a proud lady, we call her the granny of our unit.

"She’s here faithfully four nights every week, no matter the weather, dishing out hot meals to those in need.

“She’s such a fantastic lady and always puts others ahead of herself, so we were over the moon when the two companies generously offered to help her and waived their fees.

“Isabella just couldn’t believe it and we cannot thank the firms enough. They have changed her life for the better.

“She travels by bus at night to help us out and never complains.

"She’s one of the most kind-hearted and compassionate people I’ve ever met. We are fortunate to have her volunteer with us - and her vegetable curry and special recipe meatballs are absolutely different class!”

Isabella has volunteered with the charity for the last three years - and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

She believes more should be done to tackle homelessness and admits some of the stories she hears are utterly heart-breaking.

The pensioner added: “I just can’t believe the generosity that’s been shown to me. I’m so touched by everything and now I will have a warm, comfortable home for winter.

"I just can’t say a big enough thank you to the charity or the two companies.

“I could never have afforded the repairs my home needed and was I stuck in a horrible situation. I’m just so overwhelmed by their kindness. They have gone above and beyond to help me.

“Over the years you get to know people and they start to confide in you. Trust me, nobody wants to willingly be living on the streets, and some of the stories I’ve heard would break your heart.

"Helping to feed those in need is the least I can do, and to be honest, it’s given me a purpose.

“I like knowing I’m doing a wee something to help someone who really needs it get a hot meal, especially during the winter when it’s so bitter out there.

"It’s appalling that in 2022 people are still without accommodation.

"Our queues are getting bigger every single year and this is something that needs to be addressed as a priority by our politicians.”

Just £5 a month can help Homeless Project Scotland continue to offer hot meals, support, hygiene packs and advice to those in need.

Visit homelessprojectscotland.org/donations.