The Big Red Housing Bus

Towards the end of last year, one of the workers at Elim Connect Centre said to us “helping rough sleepers is great, but what about doing something for the many people who are hidden homeless in Frome? We don’t even know how many people are sleeping on sofas or crammed into the corner of someone else’s home.” That’s where the idea for the Big Red Housing Bus began – as a friendly and fun way of connecting with insecurely housed people who probably wouldn’t come to meetings or events in the middle of town, and instead to go out to them to hear their stories and see how we can help.

A bit of a google led us to Joe and his Big Red Bus Company, based near Yeovil, and plans quickly came together for a uniquely Frome event in the first week of the Easter holidays, when we hope to park the Bus from mid morning to early evening in prominent and accessible locations around the town such as Market Yard, Victoria Park, Trinity, The Mount and The Old Showfield.

Visitors to the Bus will be able to access a range of information related to housing issues and opportunities, to chat and share ideas with professional advisors and trained volunteers, and to participate in the FHfF housing survey. Children’s activities, refreshments and entertainment will also be on offer.

Would you like to support the Bus? We’re hoping to draw together volunteers from all over town who are interested in reaching out to others and learning more about local housing needs. Tasks will include meeting and greeting; baking cakes; providing family friendly entertainment and music; and helping pack up at night. Email: info@fairhousingforfrome.org.uk