Homelessness Effort Unveiled by Places for People: Key Details Revealed
In a significant move to address the issue of homelessness in Bristol, Bristol City Council, in partnership with Places for People and Alec French Architects, is transforming vacant shops and office buildings into temporary homes for individuals recovering from homelessness[1][2]. The initiative, known as the Move On Accommodation Project, aims to convert 15 disused properties (seven at The Square and eight on Kingsland Road) into temporary homes, providing a much-needed solution to the city’s shortage of temporary accommodation[1].
The homes, designed as “stepping-stone” accommodation, are intended to support individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living, with an emphasis on sustainable, high-quality accommodation for those most in need[1]. All properties will feature renewable energy systems, such as heat pumps, to enhance environmental sustainability[1].
Cllr Barry Parsons, chair of the homes and housing delivery at Bristol City Council, has praised the new homes, considering them "vital" for providing support and security to the most vulnerable people in Bristol[2]. He believes that the new homes will help individuals who are homeless to get back on their feet. Rachel Crownshaw, group managing director for communities at Places for People, shares this sentiment, stating that the new homes will provide individuals with a place to call home[2].
The new homes at Clay Bottom are described as a peaceful and restorative setting for individuals recovering from homelessness. Beyond this project, there are also community-led initiatives such as Bristol Youth Goods, a space created for young people at risk of homelessness, which operates in collaboration with Project Z and Bristol Goods[3].
In addition to the Move On Accommodation Project, Places for People has expanded their scheme to help homeless individuals in Bristol. They have opened seven new one-bed homes at Stonebridge Park, increasing the number of living spaces at the site from 27 to 34 with the help of Agile Homes[3]. It is worth noting that over 530 single homeless people are currently living in unsupported, private sector temporary accommodation in Bristol[3].
The expansion of Places for People’s homelessness project represents a targeted, partnership-driven effort to increase the availability of high-quality, sustainable temporary housing for rough sleepers and those recovering from homelessness. By repurposing vacant buildings and collaborating with expert architects and community organizations, the city aims to provide meaningful pathways out of homelessness, while also revitalizing urban spaces and promoting long-term social and environmental benefits[1][2][3].
The Move On Accommodation Project, a collaboration between Bristol City Council and Places for People, is also partnering with a social enterprise named Bristol Youth Goods to create a health-and-wellness space for young people at risk of homelessness, contributing to a comprehensive approach in addressing the issue [1][3]. Furthermore, the science of sustainability is integrated into the redesigned homes, as they incorporate renewable heat pump systems to promote both social wellbeing and environmental health [1].
