It’s a jolly time of year, and although things are about to get a little more joyful, a lot of us can’t help but ignore the fact that it’s about to get a whole lot colder out there. We’re all doing our winter shopping, getting our warm jackets, gloves, and hats ready.
But a lot of us are forgetting that there is a ton of people who don’t even have a place to keep warm. There are so many people on the street that you pass by on your way to the mall. So it’s time for us to maybe work a little bit harder to get those people off the streets and into a warm bed.
Don’t think you can do it? Here’s a little inspiration. Two UK women have started a project and have carried it through, bringing an entire community together for an amazing cause. They took hold of the new ‘bus shelter’ trend.
Sammy Barcroft and Joanne Vines are both leaders of the charity group The Rucksack Project. Both Portsmouth residents decided to join a wave of organizations.
These organizations are turning vehicles that haven’t been used in ages and turning them into homeless shelters. The two women found a double-decker Stagecoach bus.
This bus was a complete mess when they got it. So they decided to get a few people together and do some serious renovating on this ancient double-decker bus.
Essentially, they wanted to turn this massive bus into a sanctuary on wheels. About $8,000, 70 to 80 workers and eight months later, the bus was completely transformed.
The bus now fits 12 bunk beds, a lounge, and a fully-functional kitchenette. Most of the people that helped with the renovations donated their time. In the end, the finished job was worth more than $33k in total.
Vines told Metro UK once they finished the project, “I’m delighted it’s finished and it’s staying in Portsmouth but I’m also happy to have a rest.” Judging by the photos, the bus looks absolutely incredible, new, and most importantly, warm.
According to news reports, the brand new shelter on wheels will soon be parked right in front of St. Agatha’s Church, helping an estimated 300,000 homeless people that are currently living in Britain.
This should really inspire us all to go out and do something that’ll make a difference in our community. It doesn’t have to be as big as creating a sheltered bus, but every action can make a huge difference.
