A Bradford homelessness charity which has joined forces with a national organisation has opened its first shop in Bradford city centre.

CHAS (City Housing Aid Service) Bradford and the St Vincent de Paul Society have merged and the newly formed CHAS @ St Vincent’s project has been created.

It provides free legal advice and assistance to anyone threatened with homelessness, along with advice on debt and money management. It also runs a furniture recycling scheme which allows families on a low budget to buy second-hand furniture and household goods.

Director Ruth Batty said: “The services that CHAS provides will continue as we have been doing them in the past, but the aim is to try and develop.”

She said CHAS was a large charity which would be expanding with the merger.

An official opening ceremony was held yesterday at its new shop, in Market Street, where it was blessed by Monsignor Peter Rosser, a former trustee of CHAS Bradford. A ribbon was cut by Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq .

Monsignor Rosser said he was “very impressed” with the shop.

“I never could have dreamed that it would be so well located, so big and so beautiful, clean and decorated inside and full of stuff,” he said.

“It really is a credit to them, they have obviously worked incredibly hard and I am very touched to have been invited to share in the opening ceremony.”

Coun Khaliq said: “We need to acknowledge the work the organisation does. In the current climate there is a need to provide this kind of service, facility, to people who are most in need, and it is in a good position to be doing that.”

CHAS @ St Vincent’s is appealing for volunteers who can help out in the shop. For more information e-mail admin@chasbradford.org.uk from Wednesday.