Hope Centre in Northampton makes changes to services over coronavirus fears

A Northampton homeless charity is altering the services it offers due to coronavirus fears.

The Hope Centre will remain open to rough sleepers who have nowhere else to go and is even extending the hours it is open by 90 minutes.

For those who use services at the centre but do have somewhere to live, changes will come into force from tomorrow (March 17).

These people will still be able to visit the centre to get hot food, but will be given it in a takeaway box in a bid to limit the number of social interactions within the centre.

In a statement on its website, The Hope Centre said: “The ongoing situation with Covid-19 presents significant challenges for those living in poverty and on our streets.

“The Northampton Hope Centre is seeking to protect staff and volunteers whilst continuing to serve the most vulnerable in our community.

“We have therefore taken the decision to continue providing a service that ensures those without shelter are off the streets whilst continuing to provide food to those with accommodation but whom remain vulnerable.

“We hope that by reducing the number of social interactions we will be in a position to offer a continuing Day Centre service for a longer period.

“We will continue to assess and support all who visit Hope and advise of all updates regarding the virus and care planning.

“At this present time all Hope Food Club shops will continue to operate but we ask that you continue to monitor social media for any updates.

“Hope will continue to rely on the support of the community to ensure that we have the resources to care for those in need and would encourage anyone wanting to help to stay up-to-date via social media as we appeal for specific items

“The Northampton Hope Centre is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our community and we hope you will understand that these measures are being put in place to allow us to support those who are in most need.”

From tomorrow (March 17) the Hope Centre will be open for those rough sleeping from 8.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

It will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

The Hope Centre is still looking for donations during this time.