World Homelessness Day: TAP for Bristol provides funding for new 'Z-House project'
From now on, half of all future donations they receive will help to fund the new scheme set to help 16-25 year olds across the city
The Bristol Business Improvement District have announced half of all future donations received by their TAP initiative will fund a new Z-House Project.
Their announcement has come on World Homeless Day (October 10), with the scheme, from Caring in Bristol, aimed at people aged 16 to 25 - who have insecure housing.
Meanwhile, the remaining 50% of all donations will continue to be available for local homeless charities to apply for, to help fund crisis projects.
Since it launched, the initiative has so far raised over £100,000 - and has directly supported thousands from across the city, helping them to move their lives away from homelessness.
Since 2020, donations have provided funding for Caring in Bristol to launch and expand their Homelessness Prevention Programme, directly supporting 1,187 people in Bristol communities, and helping them to move their lives away from homelessness.
Over the past 12 months alone, 95% of those in receipt of support from Caring in Bristol have reported one or more positive outcomes from the support they received, according to the Bristol City BID.
In what's been dubbed a 'new' and 'innovative' solution to help with the housing crisis across the city, the Z-House Project will provide short-term accommodation for homeless young people, thanks to the support from the Night Shelter Transformation Fund, and will see the organisation renovate its own office space in St Paul’s.
It will act as a 'base' for the young people who they help, as they will be able to access other service providers, public transport and education as well as employment opportunities whilst equipping them with essential skills to live a life without homelessness.
The St Pauls base will offer two beds for longer term use (up to three months), as well as two rooms for emergency short-term use.
Alongside the beds, Bristol City BID say the project will also offer ongoing practical support to help with key skills, such as 'paying bills, cooking and other domestic tasks'.
Vicky Lee, head of Bristol City BID, said: "It’s important that we acknowledge that there is a crisis of homelessness.
"The Z-House Project is an amazing project that we are very proud to be a part of. It will provide young people with specific, tailored support to ensure that they are provided with practical skills and opportunities while they’re in the Z House accommodation, in order to help them find more permanent housing."
Ian Byworth, the CEO at Caring in Bristol, said: "The solution to homelessness in our city lies in the joining-up of contributions from across the city. This new youth shelter is one such example; providing much needed accommodation and support for young people facing homelessness – all made possible from the backing, donations and volunteering that others have provided."
You can find out more about World Homelessness Day here.
Read more: TAP for Bristol raises £100,000 to help homeless people