AN inspired group of volunteers are transforming a disused bus into a shelter for the homeless.

Southend’s Homeless Hub hopes to raise £17,000 to fit out a double-decker bus to provide a night shelter.

The converted bus will provide sleeping accommodation for 16 rough sleepers and will even be able to accommodate dogs in a separate pop up shelter.

The charity is well on the way to raising the funds it needs, with one single donor giving £2,000 to the project. The Prittlewell Victorian Townswomen’s Guild has also chosen the hub as its charity for the year and Southend artist John Bulley will make sure the bus stands out with some eye-catching designs.

Jo Bates, who leads the team of volunteers at the Homeless Hub, said: “It’s all about these men and women who need help and a home.

“My volunteers are extraordinary people but ordinary folk who just want to the homeless to know they are not ignored and there are plenty who care about them.

“We got a double-decker bus which we need to fully convert to provide 16 sleeping pods for the homeless. We raised £7,000 in the first 115 days but we need more for the full conversion.”

The group is in discussion with Southend Council over where the bus will be permitted to park up each night but it is anticipated this could be at various points around the town.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening hub volunteers arrive at Clarence Road car park in Southend with tables, trays, hot plates, and urns and dish out hot food and fresh fruit.

Tom Keysie has benefited from the group’s help. He said “I love Jo and all the group. They are so kind and helpful.

“They make no judgment and the food is great!”

With 2,347 members signed up to its Facebook page, the charity hopes word will spread about the fundraising. Having the bus will mean the homeless who use it can get a PO Box address for benefits as well as for shelter.

A number of fundraising events are underway including at King Edmund School where children have baked cakes and a fundraising curry night is being planned in April.

The charity acquired the bus at a knockdown price of £2,500 from bus company Stephensons Essex

Bill Hiron from the company said: “‘After donating a surplus double decker bus to a homeless project in Ipswich, we were approached by the Southend Homeless Hub. While we only had more modern buses left. and were not in a position to donate another one, we were delighted to provide one at cost to assist this worthwhile local project.”

Mr Hiron added: “While Stephensons now operates over 100 buses across Essex and Suffolk, our original base and head office is in Rochford, so this worthy cause is very close to home .’

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for housing, said: “Officers met recently with the Homeless Street Hub and had a productive meeting on a number of subjects, including the proposed bus hub and how it may work alongside services already available to local people.

“We will continue meeting and working with them and offering advice and support as required.”

To donate to the bus project, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com.4431