Charity 10 more ‘micro-flats’ to join community
ABRISTOL homelessness charity is to get 10 shipping containers this week that will be converted into “micro-flats”.
The converted containers come fully furnished with TVs and all the basic necessities.
Help Bristol’s Homeless, which was founded by Jasper Thompson six years ago, began with just one shipping container but has been expanding ever since and building a community at its site in Bedminster. The new homes arriving this week will bring the total to 33.
Now, HBH has created an Amazon wish list to direct people who want to support the project to the remaining items they need for the new micro-flats.
Each individual has their own self-contained micro-flat, with a mini-cooker, white goods and plumbing and electricity installed. Previously Mr Thompson and his team would convert the containers themselves, but the latest containers are being delivered by New Space, a company specialising in manufacturing modular homes.
There is an on-site chef who cooks communal meals, a therapist, nurse and access to support from a range of organisations such as Bristol Drugs Project and St Mungo’s. While the site has been expanding over the last six years, Mr Thompson believes that at 33, it has now reached capacity and the next step for the charity will be to find an additional location in east or north Bristol.
Meanwhile in Bedminster there are plans to start a community cafe, which will open up the space to the wider community. Mr Thompson is confident that the first five containers will be fully “decked out” and ready for people to move into within a couple of weeks.
He said: “They have nothing when they arrive and we provide everything, down to knives and
forks. They’ve lost everything and they just need a hand up and a fresh start. It’s a great community vibe here.
“Some of the guys on the project
volunteer but most of them are working.”
Mr Thompson helped to set up a similar project in New Jersey, which now has 50 containers. He added that they have seen homelessness increase in recent years and are now getting more referrals from the probation service.
To find out more and support the work of Help Bristol’s Homeless, which provides temporary accommodation for those sleeping rough and supports them in securing permanent homes, visit the website – helpbristolshomeless.org – or Facebook page.