Hostel warning as residents face homelessness

Resident Bethany Barton said she was "absolutely terrified" about the closure

Three hostels in Gravesham are facing closure due to financial pressures, putting 20 people at risk of homelessness.

Residents of the shelters run by House of Mercy, a charity set up by nuns in the 1980s, have until Friday to find new accommodation.

Charity trustees and Gravesham MP Adam Holloway said House of Mercy needed more support from the council, which does not currently provide funding for it.

Jenny Wallace, Gravesham Borough Council's cabinet member for housing services, said: "The scale of the homeless crisis nationwide is such that local councils cannot work alone to help those who find themselves at risk."

"It is only through partnership working with other agencies and charities that we can hope to make inroads into the issue," she added.

Mr Holloway said: "At the root of it is that locally [the council has] become used to having these facilities provided by this charity."

The MP said he had spoken to the government about this model of funding, which he claimed to be "unprecedented".

Ms Wallace said the council was putting measures in place place "to try and relieve the demands" and officers were in contact with the government to scope out any funding available to assist those displaced as a result of the closure.

'Safety net'

Bethany Barton moved into the hostel following a relationship breakdown and said she was "absolutely terrified" about the closure.

As well as splitting up with her ex-partner, Ms Barton lost her home, her job and her dog died all on the same day.

She told the BBC that she had "rebuilt everything" before being asked to move away again.

Gravesham Borough Council said it had a duty to provide advice and assistance to those having to find new accommodation.

Everyone affected by the closure would be invited to discuss their situation, the council said.

Michael Donovan, vice chair of trustees at House of Mercy, said people could end up sofa surfing or sleeping on the streets.

"They need to be looked after," he said. "Something needs to be in place - a safety net."

One of the House of Mercy properties due to close

Ms Wallace said the council had its own premises "just outside the town centre providing a home and support for a number of clients".

She added: "We are working on plans for pod-style homes as next step accommodation for those ready to live a more independent but still supported life.

"But there is not a one size fits all solution for those who need our help, which is why we will continue to work to support those facing having to move on from the House of Mercy."

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