New Salvation Army bus launched to help Cardiff's homeless

A local charity have launched a bus service to provide food, shelter and aid for the homeless of Cardiff.

The Salvation Army celebrated the launch of the refurbished double decker with an opening ceremony at the Crichton House Outreach Services Centre, Grangetown with members of Cardiff Council, volunteers and workers in attendance.

Speaking at the event last Wednesday, Major Peter Moran, said: “The Salvation Army in South and Mid Wales is delighted to have secured a replacement bus to serve the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in the Cardiff area.

“The facilities and supportive staff provide a lifeline to people who live on the edge but whose circumstances can be changed dramatically by the help available. We are grateful to The Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff City Council and Cardiff Bus Company for their invaluable support and help without which the service would not be able to continue.”

The project received £130,000 of Legacy Funding from the Salvation Army and grants from the Welsh Assembly, and input from Cardiff bus, who have been jointly responsible for running a bus-based service for the homeless in the city centre since 2002.

Catrin Howells, Crichton House Outreach Services Centre Manager, said: "The project has been very successful in providing vital services to the people most at need in Cardiff.

"We are delighted with the new bus and it is like a home-from-home which provides a refuge for people with nowhere else to go."

Work started on the 10-year-old Volvo bus in October last year and additions include a full kitchen area with catering hatch, clothes-drying facilities, nursing room and private consultation office.

John McInnes, Salvation Army employee and bus worker, said: "This bus is so much more advanced than the last one which was over 30 years old. “Each night we have 25 to 30 homeless people who come to us for food, shelter and medical attention.

“There is almost nothing we won't be able to do on this new bus and we even have a full-time Bed Coordinator onboard, employed by the Council, who will make sure anyone who needs a bed for the night will get one."

The bus is staffed by two full-time workers, including a nurse and up to three volunteers and stops on Museum Place, Cathays Park, from Thursday to Sunday between 6.30pm and 9pm.