Back in March when the lockdown was imposed, we took measures to protect our residents by closing the bus (usually providing temporary overnight accommodation for those in need) and shower block (used by those in the wider homeless community), as well as the dining room and office. We are all learning new ways of staying safe, but it turned out the project at HBH was ideally and uniquely placed to continue being able to operate. All of our residents embraced the new hygiene procedures, and our resident chefs adapted to prepare meals daily for residents to have in their own individual units.
As lockdown is now easing, we’ve been working very hard to prioritise the safety of all our residents and visitors. This means you’ll notice a few changes if you visit us. Before arriving all visitors must, as normal, contact the office and we will send you a form which must be completed and brought with you. On arrival you will have your temperature checked and recorded. All our residents will have weekly checks. We want everyone to stay safe, so taking these measures will protect ourselves, visitors and residents.
We’re also excited that our shower block is going to be reopening. A daily shower is something we take for granted, but throughout the pandemic it is something that rough sleepers have been unable to access, until now! Thanks to ongoing collaboration between HBH and BOSH (Bristol Outreach Service for the Homeless) we’re able to offer a shower to anyone on the street – it’ll be open on Mondays and Wednesdays to allow time for the block to be deep cleaned in between sessions. We’re very happy that we’re able to offer this again.
Thanks to everyone for working with us safely, and supporting us throughout the pandemic. It’s been a challenging time for everyone and we’re looking forward to what we’re able to achieve in the ‘new normal’.