Charity '˜working to resolve concerns' over homeless accommodation unit in Worthing

Staff at the unit in Lyndhurst Road ahead of its opening

A charity which opened a new accommodation unit for the homeless in Worthing three months ago has said it is working hard to resolve concerns raised by nearby residents.

Worthing Churches Homeless Project opened the 37-bed short stay accommodation unit for the homeless in Lyndhurst Road in May, after developers Roffey Homes offered the charity temporary use of the building.

At a police panel meeting in the town centre on Thursday, residents raised concerns about the impact the project was having on the area.

Councillor Jim Deen, who was at the meeting, said: “Clearly there was really strong feeling being expressed about certain issues to do with antisocial behaviour, alcohol abuse, that kind of thing, in the area around the property.”

Sue Stevens, PR and fundraising manager at Worthing Churches Homeless Project, said the charity was working hard to resolve the issues.

“Obviously we are concerned that residents have concerns,” she said. “We are trying our hardest to work with them to address it.

“We recognise that we are part of the community.

“We need the whole community on board in order to help homeless people.”

Councillors Keith Bickers, Alex Harman and council Leader Daniel Humphreys

She said the charity had delivered a letter to immediate residents with 24-hour contact details for the project and said: “We will meet with them if they wish or respond accordingly.”

In response to concerns about loitering in the area, the charity has introduced regular patrols.

The project has also extended its no visitor policy from the building to the grounds of the property and is asking clients not to meet people outside the building.

Ms Stevens said educating the clients was key.

“Some haven’t had homes for a long, long time. We are working with them to educate them on what it’s like to live in a community,” she said.