The innovative project will see Caring in Bristol further the successes of TAP for Bristol.
10/10/2023
World Homeless Day is today, Tuesday 10 October, and to mark this, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) has announced that 50% of future donations raised via their TAP for Bristol initiative will provide funding for this new Z-House project from Caring in Bristol. The remaining 50% of all donations will continue to be available for local homeless charities to apply for, to help fund crisis projects.
Since 2020,TAP for Bristol donations have provided funding for Caring in Bristol to launch and expand their Homelessness Prevention Programme, directly supporting 1,187 people in Bristol communities, and helping them to move their lives away from homelessness.
In the last 12 months, 95% of those in receipt of support from Caring in Bristol have reported one or more positive outcomes from the support they received – a huge step towards the prevention of recurring homelessness in the city.
Now, Caring in Bristol is in the process of implementing an innovative new solution to aid in supporting the city’s vulnerable, through renovating their own office space – at a time of a cost-of-living crisis and when the aftermath of the pandemic is still prevalent. With support from the Night Shelter Transformation Fund, the organisation has developed the Z-House Project to provide short-term accommodation for homeless young people, aged between 18 – 25, whilst their move-on options are secured.
Whilst 89% of those receiving Caring in Bristol support have reported increased knowledge of their housing rights and 93% have reported increased confidence in sharing this knowledge with neighbours, the Z-House Project will present further opportunities to help to prevent young people from becoming homeless.
The chosen location for the Z-House Project shelter is in the heart of the city, and this new city centre base will allow the young people using the shelter to access other service providers, public transport and education as well as employment opportunities and equip them with essential skills to live a life without homelessness.
As well as offering two beds for longer term use of up to three months, and two rooms for emergency short-term use, the project will offer ongoing practical support to help with key skills such as paying bills, cooking and other domestic tasks.
Caring in Bristol is calling on businesses in Bristol to get involved and support the Z-House Project by sharing their ideas and spaces to provide group sessions, workshops, or training opportunities in the area, to further the support provided by the project.
TAP for Bristol, which has raised £100,000 over its four year lifespan, continues to go from strength to strength, with recent TAP for Bristol points being installed in Tesco Express in Broadmead as well as Bristol Bus and Coach Station on Marlborough Street.
World Homeless Day is marked every year on 10 October to draw attention to the needs of those experiencing homelessness around the world. To get in touch with Caring for Bristol to offer support for the project, please contact Alv.Hirst@caringinbristol.org.uk
