Bristol man receives honorary degree for life-changing Housing First project

A man who changed the lives of dozens of homeless people after setting up a Housing First project is being recognised by the University of Bristol.

Jasper Thompson, founder of charity Help Bristol’s Homeless, will receive an honorary degree today for his remarkable efforts which involved converting more than 20 shipping containers into individual flats.

In 2017 former restaurant owner and army veteran Jasper Thompson, now 61, was appalled by the growing homelessness crisis around Bristol – a 2019 Shelter report said homeless people in the city were dying at more than double the national rate – so in 2018 rallied round a few friends to collect food, bedding and supplies to hand out to rough sleepers.

When the weather got particularly bad, he felt compelled to do more – and headed into town with extra socks and flasks of hot drinks. His efforts developed into an established outreach group.

“I would always ask the homeless guys, what can I do to help you? What do you need,” Thompson told The Big Issue. “Everybody always said the same thing: ‘a roof over my head’.”

At the same time, donations were coming in thick and fast to his North Street restaurant – more than he had the space for. After calling out on Facebook looking for some storage, a friend offered him a 38ft caravan. Another friend said he could keep it on their land in Bedminster.

Soon it was being used as an office and storage hub for what would become Help Bristol’s Homeless, a charity founded on the belief that everyone needs safe and stable accommodation before they can effectively rebuild their lives. Thompson was given a storage container and kitted it out with some beds. Now there are more than 20, all high quality self-contained accommodation offered to local homeless people alongside support for a whole year.

“People want their own space,” Thompson said. “They might have been sleeping out in a tent with two or three other people. But these units are better than B&Bs and better to live in than a lot of flats.

“It’s important for your mental health. And it gives you an address – you can claim benefits or register to vote there.”

Unemployed residents are encouraged to get involved with on-site tasks to help develop their skillsets – and some have even gone on to bag jobs after working with tradesman around the project.

The site is also home to a converted double-decker bus fitted with beds for 12 rough sleepers who need somewhere to go just for the night, which has been used more than 4,300 times.

Locals are even invited to visit the project to use its shower block, kitchen and laundrette. Thompson said: “If it wasn’t for the local community, this would never have happened. I’m so pleased we’ve managed to raise awareness of homelessness as much as we have.”

The founder said he is “delighted” by his nomination for an honorary doctorate, put forward by Dr Penny Walters, a lecturer in Consumer behaviour, who called him a “shining example of community spirit”.

Thompson, who will soon fly to the US to meet with New Jersey officials who want to emulate the project, said: “This recognition means a lot. As I understand it, they don’t give them out willy-nilly. I’m especially excited about the idea of taking my 16-year-old son to the ceremony. I hope he’ll be inspired and feel proud of me.”

Also receiving an honorary degree at the University of Bristol today is Mya-Rose Craig – a 17-year-old birder, conservationist and environmental campaigner. Mya-Rose, who wrote for The Big Issue in last year’s kids’ climate special, is the youngest British person to ever be recognised in this way.

Image: University of Bristol