2020 has been a challenging year for all at The Bus Shelter MK and the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that we’ve had to operate in a very different way since the spread of the virus gathered pace in March.
We’ve introduced new measures to protect our guests and staff and sadly during this time the services of our volunteers have been strictly limited and we’ve no longer been able to accept the help of volunteers on site. We look forward to the day when we can welcome them back again as the positive impact they have on our guests is really missed.
In early March we identified that social distancing on the bus wasn’t possible, especially due to communal sleeping arrangements. We knew it was crucial that we continued to provide services to the homeless of Milton Keynes so we had to make many difficult decisions. For us there was no question of ceasing our service, so we moved quickly, assessed our options and within a couple of weeks decided that the only option was to rent premises in Milton Keynes offering individual bedrooms, irrespective of the impact on our funds.
A new safe base
Our existing guests moved to the new accommodation in late March when The Bus Shelter MK became the sole occupant of a hospitality property that had become vacant due to lockdown. In the eight months since then we’ve been able to provide a further 16 guests with a stable base and help them take their next steps to better health, work and sustainable home.
“This new safe environment enabled us to continue our vital service in this different, socially distanced world.”
2020 has been an incredible challenge for The Bus Shelter MK, as it has for so many organisations. A huge thank you is owed to our staff, supporters and volunteers who have keep the organisation going despite the many difficulties. While maintaining a safe distance, volunteers have provided mentoring and delicious daily meals, as well as donations and equipment to set up new homes for several guests despite the pandemic.
In the photograph you will see Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart, with our centre manager Paul and one of our guests, delivering a meal he prepared himself.
Looking to the future
We are still living in uncertain times, but despite the on-going issues around the coronavirus, The Bus Shelter MK is continuing to ensure that we do all we can to provide a new start for those who are homeless in Milton Keynes. As we approach the end of the year, I’ll share more about the positive changes we are making for delivering our services and providing safe environment for our guests in 2021.
Pam Williams
Chair – The Bus Shelter MK
