Julia Baker-Smith shares this latest news about the launch of the ‘Bus Shelter’. Ed
This week saw the launch of the ‘Bus Shelter’, an innovative new shelter for the Island’s rough sleepers. The converted double-decker bus will provide shelter for up to 16 people at a time. It is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and has the ability to move to where it is most needed.
Homelessness forum
The launch of the Bus Shelter comes two weeks after the inaugural homelessness forum, which includes representatives from public sector organisations and charities on the 
Island that deal with homelessness.
The forum, set up by Councillor Julia Baker-Smith, Executive member for Planning and Housing at the Isle of Wight Council , will allow all agencies tackling homelessness and rough sleeping to take a joined up approach and work collaboratively to ensure that the Island’s homeless get the help that they need to move into suitable accommodation and receive support.
Inspired by Kevin Newton
Cllr Baker-Smith said:
“It is vital that services aren’t working in isolation and that there is a strong ethos of collaborative working to ensure that people are supported to find accommodation. There must be a joined up strategic approach to tackling homelessness.
“Kevin Newton first contacted me earlier this year with the idea of turning a bus into a mobile shelter, and since then, has worked miracles to get the bus ready for the winter. He inspired me to ensure that all services for the homeless are working together so that people approaching front line services such as the bus shelter get the ongoing help and support they need.
“Having experienced homelessness myself in the past I know first-hand just how important getting the right help at the right time can be and would urge any organisations that would like to be involved to contact us.”
Six months of hard work
Kevin Newton, Founder of Bus Shelter added:
“I’m so excited to be finally up and running after six months of hard work and that it has finally come to fruition.
“I’m extremely keen to be working with multi agencies to relieve homelessness on the Island and to hopefully make a difference to the Island’s rough sleepers.
“We are still looking for more volunteers to assist the charity and I would ask anyone who would be interested in assisting, even in the smallest way, to please get in touch.”
Show your support
You can make a donation to the Bus Shelter via Paypal.
For more information see the Bus Shelter Website, or Like the Bus Shelter Facebook Page.
Image: © Bus Shelter Isle of Wight
