The Salvation Army will be closing its doors to the homeless after losing its contract with Rochdale council.
The homeless provision service was put out to tender as the Salvation Army’s contract neared expiration with the council.
It has chosen instead to commission smaller units across the borough.
From March 31 Providence House, which is a male only hostel providing short stay accommodation with 24 hour support staff, will stop providing residential services.
The hostel, which has 68 available beds, more than any other centre across the borough, has been dropped by the council in favour of other homelessness services.
Deputy director of homelessness services for the Salvation Army, Major Julian Watchorn, said: "We have been working with Rochdale Borough Council for several years towards the provision of a new centre for homeless people as our current building is no longer fit for purpose.
"Sadly, following recent changes in the council’s strategy that we see as a move away from a large centre in favour of smaller units, this is no longer an option.
"People are at the heart of what we do and our staff and residents have been consulted throughout this process.
"We are working with the council and other stakeholders towards securing alternative accommodation for our service users as seamlessly as possible."
He added: "We are considering our options around the future of the building, but have no immediate plans and will reflect fully on all options before taking further action.
"We are investigating possible future services, suggested by centre staff, as part of an operational review of support offered to vulnerable and socially excluded people in Rochdale, which will be carried out in the spring."
The Salvation Army has been providing accommodation to homeless people in Rochdale since 1967.
Director of Adult Social Services Sheila Ann Downey said: "As part of the implementation of the new Prevention and Independence strategy we have recently undergone a tendering process for most of the homelessness services that we commission.
"As a result, our Salvation Army contract will end on March 31.
"However a number of new services have been commissioned for homeless people, which start in April.
"We are working with the Salvation Army to ensure the transition is as smooth as it can be."
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So where do these people go now then?
It doesn't say the shop is also closing which helps a lot of people who are in need. You only have to ask around to find out what Providence House does and how they help the most deprived in our community. What strategy was this RMBC??
This is very sad news for all the people of Rochdale especially the men in the hostel, the loss of this service will effect so many people
The closure of the charity shop & furniture store will hit a lot of low income families that depend on the service that is offered, in todays climate more stores like this are needed
The people responsible for this tragic closure should truly feel ashamed of the decision they have made
Rest easy in your warm beds but spare a thought for those who have no beds
heavyhearted
All my late childhood and adulthood I supported the Salvation Army in the anticipation that the 'Army' would always be there for those in real need. How disappointing to hear that the support needed now by the Salvation Army in Rochdale is not forthcoming by the powers that be . How short sighted! I can only imagine that those in real need of the residential services and all the other care, concern and support given to the OTHER caring organisations of the community and the individuals whose luck and good fortune has been minimised for any of a vast varieties of causes and circumstances. Perhaps those who no longer will have the care and concern the SA has given in the past can now find there sustenance in the hospitals, jails, doorways and on the streets.
Will this action (inaction of the council) really be cost efficient? It hardly takes an accountant or economical wizard to figure this one out. One can only hope that someone who has a voice that can be heard will get the message through to those who are effectively making irrational decisions. Meanwhile, real people with real feelings will bear the brunt of it. Who dares to be caring? a barbwire
Maybe now the hords of homeless drug users, muggers and alcoholics that plague the town centre, steal from shops,beg on the streets,mugg people and fill a certain pub on the town hall square at 11a.m when decent folk are at work will move out of the town.
I wonder how many times rochdale police have visited this place over the years ? I bet they are happy they are going I know I am ...maybe Rochdale Town centre will have a chance now and be full of people actually spending money and hopping instaed of shoplifting,begging,mugging.
I for one am very happy to see this group all of whome are on disabillity benefits as there alcoholism or drug addiction is seen as an illness and they couldnt possibly work ! on more money than the averaged waged man a week they drink it all or put it into a vein then spend the remainder of the time leaching off society.
Yes there is a need for this place but give Rochdale a break for once
Tony.
They will still be in Rochdale but in smaller accommodation, maybe in a house near you?
What do you need to do to be ‘socially excluded’?
ROCHDALE GET REAL,YOU CANT BUILD A TOWN CENTRE ,BUILD A TRAM SYSTEM AND LOOK AFTER THE HOMLESS.HAND THE KEYS BACK AND GO AWAY.
After 4 years of helping the residents of Providence House, i now find myself under the threat of being made redundant, this may lead to me being unable to pay my mortgage my wife and children may leave me, and the local authorities who find me sleeping rough may suggest that i go and ask for help and guidance at Providence House. Can i ask Mr Tony Adams which class of hords of homeless he would put me in, god forbid anything like this would happen within Mr Adam's family i feel that if it did Mr Adams would gladly take into his own home any relation who is a drug taker ,alcoholic or mugger that needs guidance rather than direct them towards a agency that has a greater understanding on the needs of people. At this momment in time you know where all these people are, should you need to locate one of them, come April Mr Adams they may be sleeping in your shed or garage ect, Mr Adams Rochdale is not the only borough with this problem, this is nationwide. But on a lighter note who is now going to help people with the other services the salvation army provide ie people with mental health issues, vunerable people, children, care for families that have lost there home in a fire help in the community gardennig,painting school visits with advice on what not to do from, someone who has experienced the problem first hand and food parcels to people who find it difficult to manage in the present climate plus many more. I ask Mr Adams are you still glad to see the back of the Salvation Army or the back of all the people in need of this service. Regards someone who cares.