Plans to shut down the Inverclyde Centre in Greenock are expected to move forward, with doors due to close in the early part of next year.
From January, people who are assessed as unintentionally homeless are set to be provided with temporary accommodation in the community.
Following discussions with staff and trade union representatives, it has been proposed Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) take over the out-of-hours homelessness service once the centre is wound down.
A report on the topic will be considered at the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board, responsible for oversight of Inverclyde HSCP, on Monday.
It explained: “The Inverclyde Centre has historically provided congregate emergency accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“However, the existing model has been identified as increasingly out of step with national policy, local strategic ambitions and best practice in homelessness services.”
The paper said the key drivers included persistent challenges in congregate settings; alignment with the Scottish Government’s Ending Homelessness Together Plan and Inverclyde’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan; and evidence highlighting the need for personalised, community-integrated support.
If approved, the Inverclyde Centre will close in January with Glasgow City HSCP taking over the out-of-hours service. It currently delivers Inverclyde’s out-of-hours social work service.
Anyone who presents as homeless in Inverclyde will be assessed over the phone by trained staff and provided with access to out-of-hours support and to temporary accommodation in Inverclyde where needed.
The new approach also includes the establishment of a permanent housing support team in Inverclyde.
The centre building on Dalrymple Street, Greenock, was opened in 1944 and has space for up to 24 people.
Inverclyde Council said the number of temporary furnished flats will increase and the HSCP is working with registered social landlords (RSL) on this issue.
Stakeholders and partners including RSLs, Police Scotland, third sector organisations, strategic housing services and a range of HSCP services have been included in the decommissioning process.
The future of the building, which is owned by the council, is under discussion and an update is expected in 2026.
