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New location found for Belfast homeless centre

PA Two people lie on a street corner in a blue sleeping bag. Behind them, there is a plastic bag. PA
The drop-in centre will be located in Centenary House

A new location has been found for a homeless drop-in centre in Belfast.

It will operate from Centenary House off Waring Street in the city centre.

Homelessness charity The Welcome Organisation moved the centre from its original location earlier this year after opposition from the local community.

Jude Whyte from the Welcome Organisation said the location for the centre was provided by the Salvation Army.

PA Media A building with a sign saying 'welcome ORGANISATION' at the top. The outside of the building bears the signs of fire damage, with large black marks on the wall. PA Media
The Welcome Organisation's original centre was badly damaged when it was set alight in July

Earlier this year, the centre was moved from its Townsend Street location after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area as a result of the centre's users.

The building was badly damaged when a suspected stolen car was rammed into its shutters and set alight in July.

Threatening graffiti then appeared against workmen who planned to carry out repairs.

At the time, Mr Whyte described the attacks as a "pretty dark day for those of us who work in this area of homelessness and addiction".

A man with white hair and a goatee looks at the camera. He is wearing pink glasses and a colourful scarf.
Jude Whyte said the biggest issue facing NI society is homelessness

Mr Whyte told The Nolan Show there is a significant need for the centre in Belfast.

"I haven't slept in about three years. You dream about homelessness and addiction", he said.

"The biggest single issue facing this society is not Brexit. It's not the constitutional question.

"The biggest single crisis facing this society is housing."