“Housing and homelessness is Frome’s elephant in the room” say local non-profit Fair Housing for Frome (FHfF).
The charity will be bringing a red double decker bus to the town during the first week of the Easter holidays with the aim of reaching out to local families and individuals who are experiencing problems with their housing.
The team on The Big Red Housing Bus, led in person by Emily the homeless elephant, will be offering housing advice and support plus free refreshments and family-friendly activities including face painting, indoor gardening, and arts and crafts.
The bus will be parked outside the library on Saturday 6 April from 10 to 3pm, with a grand opening by the Mayor at 10am. On Sunday 7 April there will be a tea party from 2 – 5pm in Victoria Park (weather permitting) with live music and children’s games, plus a smoothie bike, where children and adults can use pedal power to create their own fruity drinks. From 8 – 10 April the Bus can be found from 10am – 3pm at Frome Cricket Club (Monday), outside Vallis School (Tuesday) and at the Key Centre (Wednesday).
Fair Housing for Frome particularly hope to connect with families and individuals who may be ‘hidden homeless’ (for example: sofa-surfing with friends and relatives) or whose housing is insecure or badly maintained.
“However we hope that everyone in Frome who cares about housing and homelessness will support the project,” said Ali Barclay, Chair of FHfF.
“Even if you don’t have housing problems yourself, please come along to take part in the Frome Housing Survey, to get the latest updates from organisations such as Shelter, or simply to enjoy the experience of a genuine vintage Routemaster bus. Thank you to everyone who has made this project possible by voting for FHfF in the 2019 People’s Budget.”
