The Bus Shelter MK has been providing a place to stay to the street homeless of Milton Keynes since 2018 and has reached a significant milestone, with its 100th guest.
The charity also has plans to help more people experiencing homelessness by providing sustainably priced accommodation for those moving on.
The team are incredibly proud of what they have achieved in just four years and have without doubt changed and in some cases saved lives. Worryingly, the charity reports that the numbers of people reaching out for their help is increasing. They receive far more calls every week than they have vacancies, calls from ordinary people who have found themselves in the frightening position of being without a home.
Finding an affordable new home for guests takes time and in order to increase the number of spaces they can offer, The Bus Shelter MK has recently opened a move-on property. They are also planning to acquire similar properties over the coming year or two.
“We would love to find ourselves out of a job, with no one living on the streets of Milton Keynes.” said Pam Williams, Chair of Trustees. “But sadly the need for our services is currently growing month on month.
"It seems incredible that from that first day of opening, when we were all quite afraid that our idea perhaps wouldn't work, we have been able to help so many people experiencing homelessness.”
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As well as the 100 guests who have actually stayed at The Bus Shelter MK, several hundred more people have been advised or supported and where possible signposted to other services.
Pam is proud of the services delivered by The Bus Shelter MK. “The compassion and resourcefulness of our team and volunteers never ceases to amaze as we help our guests through the most difficult of times.”
On average, a guest will stay with at The Bus Shelter MK for three or four months and during this time the team works towards moving them into a new long term home where they have every chance of sustaining their tenancy and their new life.
Pam sends a heartfelt thank you to the supporters and volunteers who have helped on the journey so far. “None of this would have been possible without the support of the Milton Keynes community and local and national businesses that have given us huge levels of support, There are too many to mention but we thank everyone; from the little girl who emptied the pocket money from her purse into our collecting bucket at intu, to the unexpected phone call from a telecoms company telling us they were making a substantial donation ... they all made such a difference and their support kept us going on the difficult days."
For more information on The Bus Shelter MK visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. One off donations or regular monthly giving can be made via Just Giving here
