New homeless drop-in centre planned

The hub would be run from Swan Lodge in Sunderland

Plans for a new homeless drop-in centre will be debated by officials later this week.

Sunderland City Council is proposing to run a homeless hub in the city alongside the Salvation Army.

It comes after the local authority saved a charity-run homeless facility from closure due to a lack of donations.

This new centre would provide a “more comprehensive and holistic” service, according to the council.

The proposed hub would be housed in the Salvation Army’s building at Swan Lodge.

It would provide services including housing advice and help with health issues.

Councillor Kevin Johnston said the new hub would “enable those sleeping rough to progress positively with their lives in a supportive environment”.

The new service would replace the council-backed Oasis Community Housing which was saved from closure by the local authority earlier this year.

The proposals will be discussed at Sunderland City Council on 14 March.