The Bus Shelter Ipswich has been providing support for the homeless within suffolk since 2016. starting out with a car full of supplies and seeking out those in the doorways. That was just the start !!
Over the last 5 or so years we have helped so many with accommodation and support through our Tiffers bus which was a converted double decker bus and with volunteer work in our shop. We took those from the street that where in recovery or misuse free that just needed a fresh start and a safe bed for a while.
"Most of them are on the streets because they are druggies or alcoholics" this is something we hear a lot and sadly its not the case, a lot of the time its the opposite "Most of them are druggies or alcoholics because they are on the streets"
Some become homeless due to a relationship breakdown whether it be a partner or a family member, some because of mental health issues, some may of lost a job and been evicted due to non payment of rent. There are so many reason why someone could become homeless and be forced to sleep on the streets. But yes you would be right in saying that the effects of them being homeless has lead them to drink and drugs.
So what can we do to make a difference ?
At the moment someone has to be in priority need to get an emergency bed for the night, that is of course if any are available. What can be more of a priority than someone forced to sleep in a doorway or on a bench ?? Well, firstly that person also has to be currently registered with the local authority for that local area or have a local connection to even get off the starting blocks. then you need to have severe mental health, It really isn't an easy process.
What we intend to do, is create a service that regardless of the persons situation, if we have a bed space they will be welcome to it and then during normal office hours the following day we can chase up, follow up, conduct enquires to try and get that person moved on to a more suitable accommodation. Those with addictions we can help refer on to recovery programs. We will also provide a chance for those that want to better themselves by offering online courses which they can do on our systems but mainly we will provide a on the ground, down to earth service where no one is better than anyone else.
To do this we need as much support as we can raise, we need to provide training to our volunteers to help keep everyone safe, we need bedding washed after every stay to keep the risk of infection etc to a minimum, we need supplies of PPE, drug tests, breathalysers, cleaning products, frozen meals, snacks, drinks and general running costs.
We have the facilities, we just need the support and the funds.
This service may start as a winter shelter but our ideal goal is to have this service all year round because lets face it, this is England and its not cold just at winter