Woman Transforms Double-Decker Bus Into Shelter For Homeless, And Here’s How It Looks From Inside
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With the cold months quickly descending upon us, it’s time to start working harder to get people off the streets and into a warm bed. Two UK women have taken hold of the sweeping new ‘bus shelter’ trend, and have carried out a project that saw an entire community come together for a brilliant cause.
Portsmouth residents Sammy Barcroft and Joanne Vines, leaders of charity group The Rucksack Project, decided to join the wave of organizations turning disused vehicles into mobile homeless shelters. They managed to pick up a double-decker Stagecoach bus slated for scrap, and put out an urgent call for help with its renovation into a sanctuary on wheels. Eight months, $8000, and about 70 to 80 workers later, the bus was fitted with 12 bunk beds, a lounge, and a fully-functional kitchenette. Many of the renovators involved donated their time, making the finished job worth more than $33k in total.
“I’m delighted it’s finished and it’s staying in Portsmouth but I’m also happy to have a rest,” Vines told Metro UK at the end of the mammoth undertaking. The brand new shelter is soon to be proudly parked in front of St. Agatha’s Church, where it will hopefully go on to help some of the estimated 300,000 homeless people currently living in Britain.
Scroll down to see it for yourself, and feel the amazement human generosity can bring.
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
Image credits: Paul Jacobs
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This an excellent reuse of something! Hopefully they will receive the support they need to make more.
Ahh quick some upvote me to 14 before we jinks the whole project ! Lol
Homeless people are still people. Everyone deserves a little niceness, especially when they don't usually have any at all.
What a great way to execute a great idea.
Wow! What a cool project!! There should be more of these!
Thank you ladies. All unused buses should be transformed
Definitely!
I think that the government (at least in the US) needs to do something. They should have government funded buses like these that can go around picking people up. But there are so many other options -some even on BP- that are cheap and effective. Any others from around the world that know of such a program in their country? America, we need to step it up a notch.
Just like addicts, homeless people are an industry. It's actually much cheaper to house people than it is to have all the services needed to keep people house-less when you add in the costs of shelters, free meal programs, mental health services, jail costs, etc etc etc. Salt Lake City has managed to house like 95% or more of their house-less, so it is possible but many don't understand or care enough to ask that it be handled. Especially with all these republicans in office, actually after this new tax plan, it's definitely going to get worse. I live in a city that is totally swamped with people on the streets (Portland, Oregon) and we are headed into winter. It's so heartbreaking to me. Just a couple nights ago I decided to drag out two quilts and a couple pillows, some gloves, and $10 to the woman who was sleeping just outside my window. I wanted to bring her in, but I know that's not a wise decision as a single female, although I feel it would've been fine.
Yeah, Salt Lake City has handled things really well. Which blows my mind because Utah is primarily a republican state. I'm not sure if the program was set up as a state-wide thing or just in Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City is often one of the few areas with a Democrat mayor). But the only way we can get "liberal" policies and law changes voted on around here is if they are proposed by a prominent (Mormon) Republican. Sometimes people will complain about the homeless, but they've NEVER been anywhere that has a real homeless problem. It's really great or here. We have a voucher system so people can pay for rent in certain apartment complexes that have agreements with the government. Our taxes are pushing their rent until they can get back on their feet & provide for themselves. I don't think this VERY Republican state realizes that hahaha. But Mormons (I'm a Mormon) are taught to help the poor and needy, so it bugs me when those same people get so stingy with social systems designed to do that very thing.
I'd rather then get to the root of the problem rather than just come up with a temporary solution
Anyone else notice the curtesy champagne?
I would bet folding money that it is sparkling apple juice or the equivalent. Anyone w exposure to people sleeping rough would know better.
That this a great idea!!! I hope they built tons of these for the homeless population.... they need shelter.... and to be loved
A meal, a shower, a good bed and a nights sleep away from the elements can make a world of difference.
It's a great idea, pity it isn't the government we pay taxes to that's addressing the issue
What a marvellous gesture. Love it
Brilliant and well done for thinking of those less fortunate than most of us.
Beautiful helping others hope they can make more
Great idea and well done ladies for completing the project!! Need more of these all over the country!
Fantastic job, somebody please give her some funding
Is there a place for them to use the restroom?
This is a charter bus, and usually charter buses do have a small lavatory (similar to those on airplanes). So I expect that there is a tiny toilet and sink in the bus.
Ah, Annamie you are right
This was a public transport town bus, so would not have had a toilet on board when in use, but I am sure either one has been installed by the charity, or maybe there are outside toilet facilities at the church where it is parked now, or a portable unit has been leased, I don't know for sure. But there will be facilities as the council would not have allowed permission for them to do this.
reminds me of the bus from harry potter
Haha yeah that's what I thought! It's like the Knight Bus!
This is a beautiful project, I wonder if longer term housing by FEMA is this well done?
Great idea and so well done.
An excellent example of repurposing.
Stole this idea from tour bus in Vietnam?!
Stole this idea from tour bus in Vietnam!
You don't know that for sure. There's nothing in the article that says they were influenced by a tour bus in Vietnam. They may not even know that it exists. I know that I've done things when I was younger that I though no one had done before but then I would find an article that shows the exact same thing. The point of this story is that THEY did something about homelessness.
What about old railway carriages too. Fantastic idea. 👍👍🌲♥️
Wow am I seeing the Knight Bus here?
I think it is amazing but can you explain the champagne
Probably laid on for the local paper and council members to come and view the finished project before opening it up to the first night's occupancy. Also, the church members and other members of the public would be invited to view it.
Well done!
What a selfless act ! Are you able to heat it without bus running ?
full of immmigrants shortly
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
keep the ISLAMS out of it - or it will be trashed within 6 months max
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Are people living in apartments homeless?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
too good for homeless people...
Homeless people are still people
How would you like to out in the cold no where to go, no family, no food, having a hard time finding a job because you don't have a permanent address. I think you should try it for a couple of months, you get nothing in any way like you do today. See how long you survive.
Let's hope you never find yourself homeless. If that's your opinion of a group of fellow human beings, you'd despise yourself out of spite and wouldn't that be a rock bottom place to be.
I was homeless. I was 18 when i got raped and impregnated. My boyfriend thought i cheated and beat me half to death and threw me out my parents had not talked to me in many years they didnt understand me and treated me like shit so i abandoned them at 16. This is why i was homeless do i not diserve this bed?
This an excellent reuse of something! Hopefully they will receive the support they need to make more.
Ahh quick some upvote me to 14 before we jinks the whole project ! Lol
Homeless people are still people. Everyone deserves a little niceness, especially when they don't usually have any at all.
What a great way to execute a great idea.
Wow! What a cool project!! There should be more of these!
Thank you ladies. All unused buses should be transformed
Definitely!
I think that the government (at least in the US) needs to do something. They should have government funded buses like these that can go around picking people up. But there are so many other options -some even on BP- that are cheap and effective. Any others from around the world that know of such a program in their country? America, we need to step it up a notch.
Just like addicts, homeless people are an industry. It's actually much cheaper to house people than it is to have all the services needed to keep people house-less when you add in the costs of shelters, free meal programs, mental health services, jail costs, etc etc etc. Salt Lake City has managed to house like 95% or more of their house-less, so it is possible but many don't understand or care enough to ask that it be handled. Especially with all these republicans in office, actually after this new tax plan, it's definitely going to get worse. I live in a city that is totally swamped with people on the streets (Portland, Oregon) and we are headed into winter. It's so heartbreaking to me. Just a couple nights ago I decided to drag out two quilts and a couple pillows, some gloves, and $10 to the woman who was sleeping just outside my window. I wanted to bring her in, but I know that's not a wise decision as a single female, although I feel it would've been fine.
Yeah, Salt Lake City has handled things really well. Which blows my mind because Utah is primarily a republican state. I'm not sure if the program was set up as a state-wide thing or just in Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City is often one of the few areas with a Democrat mayor). But the only way we can get "liberal" policies and law changes voted on around here is if they are proposed by a prominent (Mormon) Republican. Sometimes people will complain about the homeless, but they've NEVER been anywhere that has a real homeless problem. It's really great or here. We have a voucher system so people can pay for rent in certain apartment complexes that have agreements with the government. Our taxes are pushing their rent until they can get back on their feet & provide for themselves. I don't think this VERY Republican state realizes that hahaha. But Mormons (I'm a Mormon) are taught to help the poor and needy, so it bugs me when those same people get so stingy with social systems designed to do that very thing.
I'd rather then get to the root of the problem rather than just come up with a temporary solution
Anyone else notice the curtesy champagne?
I would bet folding money that it is sparkling apple juice or the equivalent. Anyone w exposure to people sleeping rough would know better.
That this a great idea!!! I hope they built tons of these for the homeless population.... they need shelter.... and to be loved
A meal, a shower, a good bed and a nights sleep away from the elements can make a world of difference.
It's a great idea, pity it isn't the government we pay taxes to that's addressing the issue
What a marvellous gesture. Love it
Brilliant and well done for thinking of those less fortunate than most of us.
Beautiful helping others hope they can make more
Great idea and well done ladies for completing the project!! Need more of these all over the country!
Fantastic job, somebody please give her some funding
Is there a place for them to use the restroom?
This is a charter bus, and usually charter buses do have a small lavatory (similar to those on airplanes). So I expect that there is a tiny toilet and sink in the bus.
Ah, Annamie you are right
This was a public transport town bus, so would not have had a toilet on board when in use, but I am sure either one has been installed by the charity, or maybe there are outside toilet facilities at the church where it is parked now, or a portable unit has been leased, I don't know for sure. But there will be facilities as the council would not have allowed permission for them to do this.
reminds me of the bus from harry potter
Haha yeah that's what I thought! It's like the Knight Bus!
This is a beautiful project, I wonder if longer term housing by FEMA is this well done?
Great idea and so well done.
An excellent example of repurposing.
Stole this idea from tour bus in Vietnam?!
Stole this idea from tour bus in Vietnam!
You don't know that for sure. There's nothing in the article that says they were influenced by a tour bus in Vietnam. They may not even know that it exists. I know that I've done things when I was younger that I though no one had done before but then I would find an article that shows the exact same thing. The point of this story is that THEY did something about homelessness.
What about old railway carriages too. Fantastic idea. 👍👍🌲♥️
Wow am I seeing the Knight Bus here?
I think it is amazing but can you explain the champagne
Probably laid on for the local paper and council members to come and view the finished project before opening it up to the first night's occupancy. Also, the church members and other members of the public would be invited to view it.
Well done!
What a selfless act ! Are you able to heat it without bus running ?
full of immmigrants shortly
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
keep the ISLAMS out of it - or it will be trashed within 6 months max
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Are people living in apartments homeless?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
too good for homeless people...
Homeless people are still people
How would you like to out in the cold no where to go, no family, no food, having a hard time finding a job because you don't have a permanent address. I think you should try it for a couple of months, you get nothing in any way like you do today. See how long you survive.
Let's hope you never find yourself homeless. If that's your opinion of a group of fellow human beings, you'd despise yourself out of spite and wouldn't that be a rock bottom place to be.
I was homeless. I was 18 when i got raped and impregnated. My boyfriend thought i cheated and beat me half to death and threw me out my parents had not talked to me in many years they didnt understand me and treated me like shit so i abandoned them at 16. This is why i was homeless do i not diserve this bed?