Shipping Containers Have Been Converted Into Housing For Homeless And They're Great

May 21, 2020 by apost team

In 2017, Bristol, U.K. resident Jasper Thompson founded Help Bristol's Homeless, a charity organization that turns shipping containers into self-contained, micro-apartments for local homeless people. As of 2020, Thompson has already helped convert over 20 shipping containers into housing for those in need.

The organization's new headquarters is located near the city center, featuring a shower block, a place to do laundry, a kitchen, a dining room and an office for previously homeless residents who live in the converted shipping containers, according to a 2020 press release from The University of Bristol. Beyond the converted shipping containers, the site also has a double-decker bus, which the organization offers to homeless individuals for single-night stays.

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Help Bristol's Homeless believes that housing is a right.

According to the organization's mission, the most important way to help the homeless is to find them permanent shelter. Once that is in place, other positive changes can follow. With a roof over their heads, the homeless will have a better chance of finding jobs, getting medical care and becoming more stable.

"Whenever I asked any people sleeping on the street what they wanted, it wasn't money or food," Thomspon explained in a 2020 press release. "It was a 'roof over their heads'. All they wanted was to feel safe when they sleep, or to have access to a shower and a toilet – things we all take for granted."

The charity does a lot of follow-ups to keep people on track. They provide continuing support, and they help those who receive a home to gain new skills. A number of businesses stepped up to make this possible, including Balfour Beatty, EDF Energy, Colliers International and Barratt Homes, according to Belfast Live. The founder of Help Bristol's Homeless, Jasper Thompson, expressed deep gratitude toward these businesses for their assistance.

What do you think about this approach to helping the homeless? Wouldn't it be great if it could work in other cities around the world? Let us know what you think, and pass this great idea on to others.