Two firmly held ideas at Caring in Bristol are that homelessness is not inevitable, and homelessness is an issue for everyone. It can be hard to know how to get involved in the fight against it, and we all have a different capacity to do so.

Solution

One organisation that is connecting people in Bristol to a way of addressing the homelessness crisis is Bristol BID (Business Improvement District)* through their TAP for Bristol initiative. It connects donors with Caring in Bristol’s work, enabling them to power the actions that move people in their city back from a crisis. Individuals can easily tap their contactless card or device to donate £3 at donation points around the city. Funds go to Caring in Bristol (50%), currently supporting the Z House emergency youth shelter. The remainder of funds is granted to other homelessness charities in Bristol to support their work.

*From November 1^st 2025 Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID unified to become Bristol BID. For further information please go to www.bristolbid.co.uk

Vital Support

Bristol BID’s determination to see the Z House project come to fruition and be a permanent resource to young people in Bristol means that every time someone makes a TAP donation, they are helping to secure a better future for young people through a traumatic point in their lives. The Z House will pilot a range of approaches to supporting young people experiencing a homelessness crisis, providing support to make lasting changes in their lives that will bring stability and a stronger future. Bristol BID’s involvement forms a vital link in this chain of support.

Confidence

TAP for Bristol funding is managed by Quartet Community Foundation. This gives an added layer of confidence to donors, knowing that the impact of their gift is administered and evaluated to the high standard they should expect. Vicky adds, “100% of donations go to local frontline services.” This is a crucial point, because it means that people who want to see a difference being made in the place where they live, or work can be certain that their donation will do just that.

Talking about TAP

Listen to Alv, our Storyteller, in conversation with BBC Radio Bristol's Joe Sims about the positive impact that TAP for Bristol is having in Bristol.