A BURNLEY group has been given a staggering £1m. to help homeless people locally.
The Emmaus Project has been working for three years towards developing a centre for 24 homeless people in the area, to give them a place to stay and learn new skills to improve their lives, and has now been boosted by the £1m. Government grant.
Mr Peter Pike, chairman of the Emmaus Project Burnley group and the town's former MP, said: "We are absolutely delighted at the news. The high number of homeless people in East Lancashire shows there is a real need for an Emmaus community.
"Emmaus Burnley and Burnley Council have worked together to secure this funding and we are grateful for their support. When it is up and running Emmaus Burnley will not only help homeless and unemployed people to regain purpose and optimism, but it will also be an asset to the wider community."
The project suffered a setback last month when it found its plans to transform Burnley Lane Baptist Church would cost £3.7m. Burnley Council had granted planning permission last July, and the church closed in December to merge with the United Methodist Church, but the ambitious plans proved too costly.
Mr Pike and his team are now looking at alternative sites.
The Emmaus Project will not only house homeless people but will give them a new start by helping them learn new skills in the home and community, including cooking, cleaning and gardening, and learning to repair second-hand and disused furniture for needy families. A kitchen and communal areas are also planned and people of any faith or no faith will be welcome.
No alcohol or drugs will be allowed on the premises and people will be asked to give up all benefits apart from housing allowances, which will be used to pay for accommodation at the shelter.
The Communities and Local Government grant will be used to buy and develop a suitable site on which the project can be built. The finished building will have accommodation for 24 people and will also include space for a shop, café and workshop.
How we've covered this story:
Setback for Burnley's homeless project - click hereEmmaus project will help homeless - click hereEmmaus project boost for homeless - click here