A homelessness charity that runs across Salford and Manchester has created a unique and mobile way to help take people off of the streets.
The Embassy Bus initiative gives homeless people the chance to sleep in meaningful accommodation, with an array of help onboard to ensure guests feel comfortable and safe.
Sid Williams, director and co-founder of the Embassy Bus, had previously volunteered with youth homelessness charities before creating the idea to transform the bus after a ”calling from God.”
”It [the bus] came about as a practical response to the increasing need we saw in Manchester about 3 years ago when things really suddenly worsened. I had volunteered with a few different homeless projects over the years and had homeless me live with me from time to time but my career had always been focused on youth work.”
The project partners with Manchester City Mission, a charity that works across Manchester and Salford, and they have been a big help to the initiative, with Mr Williams exclaiming that ”we might not have been able to get started without them.” They provide a wide range of help, such as showers, electricity and parking.
The reason behind the bus was was due to the high price of rent within the city centre of Manchester; a place renowned for its large number of homelessness individuals. However, with the bus, there is no rent, council tax or planning permission to pay, allowing guests the opportunity to stay for free.
At Embassy, we aim to empower people to leave homelessness behind & hope for the future. It would be great if we can get the support behind us to help make a change this winter! We hope you can help us to share the message and get involved! https://t.co/rdj50oKtI2 pic.twitter.com/PeyAVJ0II0
— EmbassyBus (@embassybus) December 15, 2018
The bus itself runs across Salford and Manchester, and is equipped with twelve personal beds along with storage for guests, a dining room accommodated with Fifa to play, a kitchen and a toilet. Upstairs provides a lounge with films to watch and lots of storage with safes so guests can keep their belongings and valuables secure.
Although finding private housing for guests can remain a challenge, Embassy Bus works with eight companies in order to help people on the streets to gain full time, long contract jobs. This allows residents to save up their first month’s rent and put down a deposit down quickly. So far, the organisation has helped 29 people to move into accommodation. Once housed, volunteers will visit past residents once a week for up to two months if needed.
”The project is Christian-based,” said Mr Williams, ”and although our volunteers and guests are of various faiths and none, we like to share God’s love, look at the bible and pray with people. It’s all optional but a lot of our guests choose to join in..and many of the guests have grasped a new understanding of just how valuable they are and how much purpose their lives hold.”
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, is an advocate for the scheme. The Mayor’s charity recently chose to pay resettlement worker costs and described the process as being excellent value for money in terms of ’’pounds in to tangible results out.”
EmbassyBus is always looking for volunteers (over 18). To get involved, please email sid.williams@embassybus.org.
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