New properties opened for Weymouth rough sleepers
The Bus Shelter project will run the homes, alongside Dorset Council
Five new multicoloured self-contained modular flats for former rough sleepers have been opened in Weymouth.
Local charity The Bus Shelter Project and Dorset Council will support those on site towards living independently.
The tenants moving in there will have already begun working with the charity, with these flats aimed at giving them a taste of everyday life in their own homes.
They'll also get support with valuable life skills, like setting up bank accounts, booking GP appointments, paying bills, cooking and finding employment.
The units were constructed offsite by firm Newspace and lifted into place, to complement the existing 12 smaller modular units, that have been at the charity’s base on the outskirts of Weymouth since 2021.
Cllr Gill Taylor, portfolio holder for Housing and Health at Dorset Council said:
“This is a project which is changing lives, restoring hope and offering new beginnings to those who have experienced the harsh realities of rough sleeping and homelessness.
“The transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 is so important, because it’s not just about providing a roof over someone’s head, it’s about empowering people to build the foundation for a better and more fulfilling future.
“This temporary accommodation is part of our wider plan to increase the number of homes for residents, which is helping to combat people living on Dorset’s streets.
“We’re proud to be working with The Bus Shelter and Newspace and pleased we can provide ex-rough sleepers with a modern, environmentally friendly home, in a familiar space where they feel safe.”
Funding for the units has come from the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Dorset Council.
Chief Executive and Co-founder of The Bus Shelter Project, Emily McCarron said:
“As a team, we are incredibly excited for the launch of these five new micro-flats, generously supported by Dorset Council and Homes England.
“As a charity, we believe everyone deserves the dignity of a safe and stable home, and this initiative brings us closer to making that a reality for each of our guests.
“The new flats are more than just a roof over someone's head — they are the next step in their journey here at The Bus Shelter, where consistent support and opportunity is given for rebuilding lives, fostering hope and empowering individuals to embrace a brighter future.
“It has been fantastic to work with Dorset Council and Newspace again on this project and we are super excited to move five of our current guests in and share the next stage of their journey with them!”