Penn Commercial has arranged the successful letting of Unit 1 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe to The Bus Shelter CIC, which celebrated its Grand Opening on 19th October 2024.
The Bus Shelter has relocated from Trimley, where it had established itself over many years, at the heart of the local community.
Team Supervisor Tina Boniface – who has experienced homelessness herself – is excited at the increased opportunities that the new store will bring:
"There is a valid need for The Bus Shelter to be here, and this is more than just a charity shop. It is a rehabilitation space, a support space, and a safe space.
“We will make everyone welcome and they will be treated with respect, no matter what their circumstances."
Tina added:
"Opening day was a huge success and we were not disappointed. We received excellent feedback from customers and it was a pleasure to have explained to some customers when asked what the Bus Shelter do."
The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC currently has one converted double decker bus, which can accommodate up to six street homeless friends as an overnight emergency provision. It was also recently donated a second double decker bus, which is still in the planning stage, but may be used as a mobile social supermarket/resource hub.
Co-Founder of The Bus Shelter CIC, Gareth Brenland, explains:
"Our buses cover any area in Suffolk that has a need for our services, offering support and advice to anyone that needs it. We work alongside a multitude of agencies, so that we can ensure that the best support and guidance is available.”
The buses are equipped with laptops, printers, wifi, toilets, showers and a range of information. In addition to the buses, The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC also has a second-hand shop, which is not only to help the local community, but to raise funds to help support the services that it offers, one of them being The Bus Shelter Foodbank.
The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC is actively looking for volunteers for both the shop in Felixstowe and warehouse in Ipswich.
Ask in store for an application form or email The Bus Shelter CIC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.