HOMELESS people in Chorley are to receive a welcome boost with the launch of a new drop-in centre next year.

work is already under way on the Clifford Street property where Chorley's Help the Homeless group is opening the outlet - with the help of Chorley Borough Council.

Chorley's homeless problem is perhaps worse than many people imagine.

The council says it has 580 cases at present and that there are another 155 being helped through Help the Homeless.

A short-stay, eight-bed hostel has been set up on Parker Street to care for the young, single homeless. It only opened six weeks ago and there have already been 45 inquiries about it.

Homelessness is, of course, an all-year-round problem. But at this time of year, it is particularly harrowing to see families and individuals caught up in the problem.

Many people's perception of homelessness is someone sleeping rough in a doorway. But there are people living in hostels, for example, who desperately need help.

Edith Crook, chairman of Help the Homeless in Chorley, said the four-year-old organisation supports people in hostels by making donations of food and clothes when they need it.

The drop-in centre, which will replace the existing facility in Steeley Lane, will have volunteers on hand to offer help and information on a range of topics, including advocacy advice for the under 25s.

A rent-bond scheme has also been launched to help people who, for whatever reason, cannot find a housing association or council property, struggling with advance monthly rents, of say, £300, in the private sector.

Steve Lomas, the council's housing renewal manager, said: "We really applaud the work of Help the Homeless, which helps families and young people to find a home."

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