From shipping containers to a double decker bus: the alternative solutions to Bristol’s homeless crisis

Jasper Thompson is not a man to do things by halves as he continues to seek ever-innovative ways to help address Bristol’s homelessness crisis.

“Providing we get the land, it’s all achievable,” says the owner of North Street’s Jamaican Diner, who, in less than 12 months, has gained national recognition for his idea to convert shipping containers into housing for people who desperately need it.

The project has been a stand-out success and gained a slot on Grand Designs Live. But, far from stopping there, Jasper is only just beginning his quest to seek alternative solutions to an ever-growing issue.

Jasper Thompsom gets behind the wheel of the double decker bus, donated by First Bus South West

This week, he took possession of a double decker bus – donated by First West of England – which will be converted into safe, secure overnight accommodation for up to 12 rough sleepers, complete with dining facilities downstairs.

Having captured the imaginations of the nation, Jasper has gained the backing of businesses, big and small, as well as the support of the city for his charity Help Bristol’s Homeless (HBH).

But it all started out as just a small act of kindness early this year.

“I met a homeless guy in Bedminster and it prompted me to get going and do more to help,” Jasper tells Bristol24/7.

Jasper, who had previously worked with Julian Trust, collecting donations for homeless people, and his wife, Tania, started to hand out sandwiches, then clothes to people on the streets, all the while seeking to get a handle on the homeless situation in the city.

“We moved out to the Malago Road site with a 38 foot container which was donated by a friend of mine and we used that as a hub and office,” he says.

“I then thought about the possibility of housing people in the caravan so that’s what we started doing. There was a huge container on site so we cleaned it out and converted it into a 12-bedroom place.

“We invited people to come down. It worked really well – people were able to move on and we had a couple who went into employment.

“Seeing how that worked, I thought about the possibility of turning a container into proper living accommodation. We got a container donated and the first one, called Carl’s Haven after my friend’s son who passed away, was finished in March.”

Jasper (pictured in front of one of the Malago Road containers) says anything is achievable if the land is available. Photo by Kelly Thompson of KDT Photography.

There are now four converted containers on the site and the bus will be used as a temporary overnight refuge, available on a first come, first served basis.

“Downstairs there will be a chance to have something to eat and drink and upstairs you can get your head down,” says Jasper.

The project is called HBH 360 Winx – to tie in the six hours a night sleep that the average adult needs, with a 360 degree turnaround, which is the aim of the scheme – to help people turn their lives around.

“The bus will give people a chance to get off the street and feel secure for the night, then hopefully, we can help them move on to counselling, or Bristol Drugs Project – whatever’s needed,” Jasper tells Bristol24/7.

“The aim will be to move people off the bus, into containers and into permanent accommodation. We are working with a company who build houses and who take residents with no deposit.

“We have given ourselves six months to get the bus ready, but it depends on feedback from the public. People will have the option to come on board through the winter to get their heads down.”

The bus will be fully insulated and there will be separate shower facilities, complete with clean towels and washing essentials so people can come in off the street and feel normal for at least a few hours.

Jasper adds: “We’ll always be so overwhelmed by the generosity that local Bristol businesses have shown us since the beginning of this project. We are so thankful that so many people want to help support our mission to change the face of homelessness.”

Pictured left to right: Zoradi Tucker, project manager for Help Bristol’s Homeless 360winx project, Paul Smith the council’s cabinet minister for housing, Sue Arrowsmith, external business manager, for First Bus South West, Jasper and James Freeman, as the keys are handed over.

James Freeman, the managing director for First, said the company is excited at the potential the ordinary double decker bus has in putting a roof over the heads of those who need it most.

Barely pausing for breath, Jasper reveals that HBH is in talks with Bristol City Council about taking on permanent accommodation in the city and there are plans afoot to convert another 10 shipping containers for a site in north Bristol.

“We really need to think outside the box and help people out,” concludes Jasper, who served in the Army for 12 years and worked as a bodyguard before opening his own restaurant.

“Life is too short, you have got to reinvent yourself sometimes and you have got to do things for the right reasons. This is my way of giving something back. It’s about helping people who, right now, can’t help themselves.”

HBH’s team showcasing the container at Grand Designs Live

Help Bristol’s Homeless is now seeking donations, volunteers, building expertise and space-saving ideas. Visit www.helpbristolshomeless.co.uk for more information and to get in touch.

Main photo by Kelly Thompson of KDT Photography.

Read more: 30 homes to be made available for Bristol’s homeless families