A LONG-established Bradford charity which supports homeless young people across the district is appealing for funding to help protect its future which could be in jeopardy.

The Bradford City Centre Project used to run four hostels and a range of supported accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds throughout Bradford and Calderdale.

But 15 months ago it bid for a large Supporting People contract with Bradford Council and failed, so services they had been providing were taken over by another organisation. The loss of funding led to mounting debts as they continued providing their accommodation and advice service for homeless 16 to 17-year-olds through a remaining Council contract.

Now the charity has two hostels, one in Manningham and another in Thornbury, but its basic contract with the Council is for 11 beds, and the hostels have 18 beds across the two locations.

This can mean there are occasions when they are only partially occupied, although the Council's children's services department can "buy" additional beds on an ad hoc basis.

Such is the funding crisis, the charity has taken the difficult step of deciding to close the Thornbury hostel at the end of this month, and consolidate its work at its Oak Villas base in Manningham.

But with £75,000 in debts, it is appealing for funding to help them to secure the charity's future.

Founder and chairman Linda Gray said: "Our two hostels have accommodated additional young people via the Supporting People route, but this is now unavailable to us.

"Consequently we have taken the decision to close another hostel and concentrate on delivering a high quality, intensive service from our one remaining establishment.

"We are in need of funding to meet outstanding bills which have accrued during this very difficult period when we have maintained out 24 hour staffing and resource provision to ensure that all young people are safe."

She added: "We are seeking funding to maintain a much needed service, inspired by young people in 1983 and still delivering a service today in the city which launched us and of which we are proud to be a part.

"Without additional investment we will have to close completely, and provision for the most vulnerable young people in Bradford will be severely compromised."

Julie Jenkins, Bradford Council's Assistant Director Children's Specialist Services, said: "We are aware of the pressures and situation for BCCP.

"They have been a valued partner and supported many care leavers for us over the years. We are looking at our contracting arrangements with BCCP and other providers to make sure the impact on vulnerable young people is kept to a minimum when the downsizing happens.

"We do not use Bed & Breakfast unless it is an absolute emergency and only for young people who have exhausted all other provision and would be left to sleep on the streets. Children's services are in communication with BCCP, looking at all options to reduce the impact for young people."

Anyone who wants to help can contact BCCP on 01274 400441.