Bus transformed into living space for the homeless
All aboard! Take a first look at the completely revamped London doubledecker bus which has been transformed for the homeless to live in.
Swansea man David Tiley and his army of volunteers have worked hard on the bus, which had been spotted around London’s Elephant and Castle before it was purchased for £4,500.
Based on the designs of Mr Tiley’s father Michael, a huge revamp project has taken place, with more than £30,000 spent on transforming it into a living place for those most in need.
More than 250 days’ work have gone into the transformation.
Downstairs, after walking through the main doors, you’ll see a kitchen area equipped with a fridge-freezer, LPG gas cooker, and hot and cold running water.
Towards the back of the bottom tier, you’ll find the ladies’ section, featuring four beds, cupboards, a small shower and toilet block.
There is also a living room spot allowing space for people to sit down together and socialise.
Upstairs, there is an area set up for the men, with seven beds, a toilet block and gas fire, along with hot and cold running water.
Solar panels have also been fitted to the roof of the old bus.
“It’s been one big, big job,” Mr Tiley said.
“We teamed up with Hope (Helping Open People’s Eyes).
“We knew they were doing this project, but they had nowhere to put a bus to build it.
“We were happy to put it in our yard free of charge and provided our own labour for free. We helped find the bus in London and it was delivered last January.”
He added: “I think it’s a really, really good cause. We’d be going to Swansea and see people sleeping in shop doorways because they have nowhere else to go and we thought it was disgusting.”
Mr Tiley said the next steps would be trying to find groups in the Swansea area to see if they wish to get involved in the project, and finding areas where the bus can be located.
Mr Tiley added he and his father had been shocked by the response to the ‘DIY-SOS’ style call that was put out to the public for their help transforming the bus.
Electricians, carpenters, plumbers and all sorts of other tradesmen have come forward to do their bit and make donations.
He said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everybody, all the companies that have come forward and for everything everyone has done.”
A roll-out date for the service has yet been announced, although Mr Tiley said he is working with homeless charities to see which of their clients would be suitable to stay at the shelter.