Our mission is simple: To continue providing outreach services, emergency accommodation, and non-referral food bank services, to ensure that no one in the community goes without help they need.
Our Mission
How?
Expanding Housing Capacity
When COVID-19 struck, we were forced to innovate. With restrictions preventing the use of our residential bus, we turned to shipping container conversions. These units are providing safe, comfortable spaces for families and individuals facing homelessness, offering a temporary solution while more permanent housing is arranged.
Current Projects:
Our focus now, is to restart and expand our emergency housing capacity. We're currently converting a 40ft container into a family bedroom, a double bedroom and a kitchen. With another 40ft container planned that will house five single rooms and a bathroom. These units will provide secure overnight shelter, without any risk to others; offering a much-needed respite for those without a roof over their heads.
We also operate a charity shop in Felixstowe, which supports some of our funding needs while offering free nappies, sanitary products, and a change of clothes for those in need. The shop also functions as a drop-in centre one day a week, where homeless individuals can receive food bank services and other valuable support.
Charity Shop
Visit our charity shop in Felixstowe to support our funding needs and provide essential items to those in need.
Raising Awareness
Our main goal is to raise awareness about homelessness, addiction, and the challenging circumstances faced by individuals and families in Suffolk.
Volunteer
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join us in our mission to support those in need.
Raising Funds
Help us raise funds for our expansion projects and essential support services.
Community Support
Our outreach bus continues to serve the community every Wednesday within Ipswich, bringing essential services to those who need them most.
During severe weather, we activate our Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) to provide emergency beds. This is lifesaving work for our most vulnerable.
Our food bank also supports around 60 people per month, with that number increasing to 80 during the pandemic.
The ongoing support of local businesses and volunteers, including students from Suffolk Rural College, allows us to continue making a difference. If you have time, skills or wish to contribute to our community, please get in touch. We always have a need for more support so we can help more who need it.
Emergency Shelter Units
Outreach Services
Food Bank
Community Impact
We have made a significant impact in the community by providing essential support and outreach services to individuals and families in challenging circumstances. A huge thanks to everyone who's made it possible since
Voices of Hope
“The Bus Shelter Ipswich provided me with a safe place during my most challenging times. I am forever grateful for their support.”
Suffolk Resident
“I found hope and a helping hand at The Bus Shelter Ipswich. Thank you for being there for me.”
Ipswich Local
“The dedication and compassion of The Bus Shelter Ipswich team have made a positive difference in my life.”
Support Recipient
Support Our Cause
Supporter Plan: £5 a Month
“Small contribution, big impact.”
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By donating just £5 a month, you’re helping provide essential supplies to individuals in need.
Your support enables us to keep our food bank stocked with nutritious meals and ensures that those who come to us never leave empty-handed. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can offer warmth and comfort to those experiencing homelessness.
What your £5 a month can do:
• Provide a box of food supplies for someone in need.
• Purchase toiletries and hygiene products for distribution on our outreach bus.
• Help cover operational costs for running our emergency food bank.
Sign up to the Supporter Plan and know that every month, you’re making a difference for someone in our community.
Champion Plan: £25 a Month
“Empowering change for those in need.”
With £25 a month, you’re playing a crucial role in providing both immediate relief and long-term support to individuals facing homelessness. Your contribution directly funds our outreach services and emergency shelter programs, offering not only meals and hygiene supplies but also a safe place to rest.
What your £25 a month can do:
• Support one person’s emergency overnight accommodation in our converted shipping containers.
• Fund a week’s worth of food, drink, and clothing for those visiting our outreach bus.
• Help maintain essential services like the showers, toilets, and kitchen facilities we provide to those without a home.
By becoming a Champion, you’re helping people take the first steps toward stability and security.
Hero Plan: £100 a Month
“Transforming lives and restoring hope.”
For £100 a month, you’re making a powerful commitment to helping people escape the cycle of homelessness. Your generosity funds transformative projects, including the conversion of shipping containers into temporary housing units and the ongoing operation of our vital outreach bus. By joining this plan, you’re not just offering immediate relief—you’re helping individuals rebuild their lives.
What your £100 a month can do:
• Fully cover the cost of sheltering a family in our container accommodation for one night.
• Provide long-term resources and personal support for individuals transitioning from homelessness to secure housing.
• Help fund our Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP), ensuring that no one is left on the streets during extreme weather conditions.
Become a Hero today and know that your monthly donation is making a transformative difference in the fight against homelessness.
Supporter Plan: £5 a Month
5£Every month“Small contribution, big impact.”Valid for 6 months- Provide a box of food supplies for someone in need
- Purchase toiletries and hygiene products
- Help cover operational costs for our emergency food bank
Champion Plan: £25 a Month
25£Every month“Empowering change for those in need.”Valid for 6 months- Support one person’s emergency overnight accommodation
- Help maintain essentials like showers, toilets & kitchen
- Fund a week’s worth of food, drink, and clothing
- Best Value
Hero Plan: £100 a Month
100£Every month“Transforming lives and restoring hope.”Valid for 6 months- Fully cover the cost to shelter a family in our container
- Provide long-term resources and personal support
- Help fund our Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP)