Containers could house the homeless
ACITY IS turning shipping containers into comfortable homes for rough sleepers. Several of the metal units are being turned into homes for rough sleepers in Bristol – and a similar scheme is on its way to Cardiff.
In Bristol, two former containers have already been turned into homes, and many more are to be converted into a living space. The Bristol Post said the containers-turned-homes will provide accommodation for a rough sleeper for an entire year.
Each of the units has been fitted with a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom by property company Colliers International.
Army veteran and restaurateur Jasper Thompson, who founded Help Bristol’s Homeless in 2017, said everyone accommodated in the containers had been referred after an assessment – and was then given support in getting the help they need.
“They are also given opportunities to develop skills by helping in the conversion of the containers into homes,” Jasper said.
Homeless people in Cardiff could also be temporarily housed in shipping containers this year.
In November it was reported that Cardiff council has entered into a development agreement with Cadwyn Housing Association to set up flats in shipping containers. The shipping containers would house homeless families while they wait for a more permanent housing solution.
A council spokeswoman said previously: “The council has entered into a development agreement with Cadwyn Housing Association to deliver 13 one and two-bed flats on Bute Street, to accommodate homeless families while they wait for a more permanent housing solution.
“The development is part of the council’s shipping container project approved for grant funding through Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Fund last year which involves using re-purposed, energy-efficient units to accommodate households.
“With increasing housing pressures in the city and as the council seeks to increase the amount of good-quality, affordable housing by building new council homes and through creative, sustainable initiatives such as this, the project is a quick and cost-effective solution that also provides the flexibility to respond to changing demand as the homes can be relocated and reused.
“As part of our development programme, the council also has plans to deliver eight family homes from shipping containers in the grounds of Green farm Hostel in Ely which will also be used as temporary accommodation for homeless families.”