Community come together to open homeless drop in centre

A drop in centre for the homeless is due to open in Heywood.

The centre has been set up as a partner project between Heywood Churches Together, Heywood Baptist Church, New Heart for Heywood and the Heywood Township Committee.

The base, which has not yet been named, will run from Heywood Baptist Church, and will provide food, clothes and some where to wash for homeless people.

The facility will be manned by members of the local churches.

Father Paul Daly has helped to bring the scheme to fruition.

Father Daly said: “Things are getting worse. We are aware of the growing need for something like this.

“We will offer what help we can and point people in the right direction so they can get better help.”

The idea for the centre soon got off the ground with various people keen to help.

“It has all happened very quickly,” said Father Daly, “We hope to open ASAP.”

Father Daly continued: “We have got a big stock of clothing and we have got some furniture from the Back O’th Moss Community Group.

“Members at St Joseph’s make 20 cooked meals a week and freeze them and all those will be given out.”

“This is bringing everyone together. It is something everyone has been talking about and thinking about it and there is an increase in the number of people coming through the door,” added Father Daly.

“Our first concern is getting it up and running – that is our priority, then we will name it and officially open it.”

Father Daly concluded: “This is an example of community spirit. We are reaching out to the people who need it most.”