Pop up food shop aims to help break cycle of homelessness
A new pop-up food shop aims to plug a gap in existing services and break the cycle of homelessness by supporting people to live independently.
Based in Hartcliffe, the community project launched by Caring in Bristol is born out of recognition that those who have recently been homeless or are precariously housed are often unable to afford meals or access basic support in a system focused on crisis management.
Following on from the success of the charity’s Cheers Drive campaign, launched during the pandemic, Bristol Goods will stock fresh fruit, vegetables, sweet treats and oven-ready meals made by some of the city’s best chefs.
Aimed at people who are at risk of homelessness or recently rehoused, the shop will work on a referral system from a Caring in Bristol partner organisation. Each shopper will pay a weekly £3.50 membership, which will enable them to fill up their shopping basket each week.
“Homelessness doesn’t just exist in Bristol’s city centre,” explains Steven Dodds, Caring in Bristol’s head of partnerships and impact.
“We know it begins in our communities, where precariously housed people don’t always get the type of support they need.
“Our research underlined the significant role food can play – beyond just feeding people – and we hope Bristol Goods will be a highly supportive resource for the people who use it.”
Shoppers at Bristol Goods will also be able to access support services such as budget management, tenancy support and advocacy, mental health and wellbeing guidance and cooking lessons.
The initiative was inspired by research, undertaken in partnership with Caring in Bristol, evaluating food support services for those experiencing homelessness in the city. Findings highlighted that services were concentrated on vital crisis support, leaving a gap in provision for others vulnerable to homelessness.
The Bristol Goods project has been funded by Bristol City Council, the John James Foundation, and Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club.
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