DROP-IN CENTRE SET TO OPEN

Source : 29/04/2002 Coventry Evening Telegraph

A drop-in centre for the homeless will open in Coventry city centre tomorrow.

The Bridge, part of the new Coventry Jesus Centre, in Lamb Street, is being sponsored by members of Coventry's Jesus Army.

The £800,000 project will incorporate a public meeting hall, an IT centre and a chapel.

A public cafe is set to open in the building's foyer in June.

The Bridge will cater for anyone in need, especially the homeless and vulnerably housed.

Food, a shower, laundry facilities, advice and friendship will be available and the centre will be open to all, regardless of beliefs.

Piers Young, who will manage the centre, said: 'The Bridge will be a place where the homeless, or anyone in need, will find a friendly welcome and facilities for washing, laundry and subsidised food.'

'It's meeting a need in the provision for these kind of services in the city - we're aiming to help people stand on their own feet and to develop their own capacity.'

'We are calling it the Bridge because it is both a bridge to other resources and agencies and a bridge to a more complete life.'

'People will be able to use the internet to access employment information and we want to encourage that.'

'They will also have their own e-mail address and be able to use the Bridge as a postal address.'

It will be open from 9am to 12pm from Tuesday to Saturday, between 9am and 10.30am on Sundays and between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Churches and individuals can buy food vouchers from the centre, to give to people in need.