Young people’s shelter to close
Thursday, 26 June 2008
SUPPORTED accommodation offered to vulnerable young adults in Limavady is to close due to lack of demand, it was revealed this week.
Accommodation offered by the First Housing Aid and Support Services (FHASS) aimed at for 16-21 year olds who are deemed as homeless, who come from a care or non-care background or who are in need of supported accommodation, is due to close next Monday June 30.
FHASS, a voluntary organisation which also provides advice and support to its residents, say the reason for the closure is the fact that the accommodation has only had 50 percent occupancy since its inception in 2006.
However, the decision to close the accommodation, which is based at Alexander Road, has angered those who use the facility. One man who contacted The Chronicle stated that his son, who had been a resident there for the past eight months, had completely changed his life thanks to the care and support offered at the facility.
He stated: "When my son lived at home, he became involved in alcohol and drug abuse and was completely out of control.
“However, since he came to the Alexander Road facility, he has turned his life around and our relationship with him has come on leaps and bounds.
“I'm really angry that this facility is closing because it offers such a valuable service and one which is very much needed in the Limavady area.
“I simply cannot understand why it is closing.
“My fear now is what is to become of my son and the other residents when its closes next Monday."
