Opera singer helped back onto the stage after homelessness » Housing » 24dash.com

An Olivier award-winning opera singer who fell on hard times and ended up homeless has been helped back to his feet and onto the stage by the charitable arm of a housing group.

Wills Morgan (pictured, right), who shot to fame by playing Jesus in Jerry Springer: the Opera, became homeless after the controversy of the role, the death of his mother and his mild autism mounted up on him.

Genesis Community, the charitable arm of Genesis Housing Group, helped put a roof over Wills' head and he has now begun to get his life back on track, with an audition on Monday for a place at the English National Opera.

Wills feels that his audition at the Coliseum went well and is awaiting a response. He said: "All kinds of people can get into all kinds of trouble, especially in a big city like London. Although I had an Olivier award, once I was unemployed no one remembered me, just the character I played."

Genesis Community's financial inclusion officer Bob Butler (also pictured) and Will's tax adviser Amanda helped Wills put his finances in order.

Bob, who has worked at Genesis Community for four years, said: "I discovered that Wills owed a substantial sum of money to HM Revenue and Customs in tax and fines imposed as punishment for not submitting tax returns.

"Amanda is a musician herself and understands only too well the trials and tribulations of an artiste who can be at the top of his profession one minute, earning good money on the West End stage, and then be out of work, homeless and in debt the next."

An offer made on behalf of Wills by Bob to make modest monthly repayments was accepted, while other creditors also agreed to the deals that were put forward. Amanda has also said she will forego her fees to help Wills stay out of trouble.

Bob said that in 80% of cases creditors who reply to his approaches accept the offer made, once they learn that there are no assets for them to pursue. This provides respite from stressful phone calls and letters until a full agreement can be found.

Wills said: "I found myself sleeping along the Grand Union Canal for two months before getting connected to the wonderful partnerships and services working together to help people in my situation.

"Genesis Community was one of them and I take my hat off to the financial inclusion help I obtained from Bob - it has helped me change my life around."

In 2005, Genesis Housing Group set up Genesis Community, a charitable foundation created to address the challenges of deprivation and social exclusion in disadvantaged areas. Genesis Community focuses on young, vulnerable and elderly people as well as safer communities, training and employment and financial inclusion.

Bob offers confidential financial help, including setting up a bank account and money management support. Email Bob at rbutler@springboardha.org.uk or call him on 020 8548 2164 or 07740 022486.