St George's Crypt homeless charity handed £1 million by Government » Housing » 24dash.com

A centre for homeless people in Leeds has been handed nearly £1 million of Government funding.

St George's Crypt, which has helped look after the city's homeless for nearly 80 years, will use the cash for a major refurbishment.

For the first time, the centre will provide 15 individual bedrooms, as well as training and support to help rough-sleepers find homes.

The garden in front of the crypt will be redesigned and a new cafe  will be added.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said the improvements would be a massive boost for homeless people in the city.

Councillor Les Carter said: "This money will allow it to make such a difference to the lives of people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need of help.

"By working so closely with partners in the city like St George's Crypt, the council can ensure that Leeds has first rate facilities that properly meet the needs of those they serve."

Gary Stott, chief executive of St George's Crypt, said: "In partnership with Leeds City Council, we have worked hard to build further on the excellent foundations of our work with homeless and disadvantaged people throughout Leeds since 1930.

"We want to provide the best services, the best facilities and the best prospects for our clients to develop a wide range of skills leading to sustainable opportunities for employment.

"This grant will do that for us - it is the most significant development in the Crypt for 50 years."