For more than 30 years it has provided shelter and support for those in need.

People battling addictions, or who have simply lost their way in life, are often signposted here for help and hope.

The Salvation Army’s appropriately-named Lifehouse at Lawley House in Leeds Road, Bradford, has long been supporting people who have become homeless for various reasons.

Some of them have problems with drugs and alcohol which are addressed through counselling and other support mechanisms as part of a resettlement programme. They are also given the opportunity to develop literacy and numeracy skills, learn how to put together a CV, and prepare for job interviews.

For many it has been a lifeline but, as the T&A reported this week, it is expected to close its doors for the final time in May.

The Supporting People Commissioning Body, in partnership with Bradford Council, took the decision not to renew a contract for the Salvation Army to provide services at Lawley House. The decision was made as part of the Council’s Strategic Review of Homeless Services.

A Salvation Army spokesman said the comprehensive spending review has resulted in local authorities making tough decisions “Many of our services across the country are at the heart of local authority plans and are offering an excellent service, meeting needs and transforming lives,” he said. “However, we need to be realistic and respond to each set of circumstances as they are presented to us.

“Staff are aware that the service will be decommissioned in May. As part of that process, an options appraisal is being carried out which includes looking at ways we will support staff and clients in the coming months.”

Bradford Council is now working with the Salvation Army to enable those who are staying there to be supported to move on when the Council funding ends.

Jayne Hellowell, the Council’s service manager for commissioning, said the Council would still provide £2.4 million towards the homeless sector, despite Bradford’s cash allocation for Supporting People – which provides housing-related support for vulnerable people – being reduced by £2.4 million.

The Salvation Army hostel will be missed by those who have turned to it in times of crisis.

Juli Thompson, project co-ordinator for Inn Churches, a project involving Bradford churches which, with the help of a team of volunteers, provides shelter for the homeless and vulnerable during winter months, says: “The Salvation Army has been amazing in its support of the Inn Churches project. It has allowed us use of their church hall for two weeks so we could accommodate the homeless.”

Juli says the management team and staff have shown great care, even helping with washing, and says there have been many positive reports from those who have spent time at the Salvation Army.

“Many of the men we take in from the streets have been in the Salvation Army at some stage, and all report individual staff who have gone out of their way to relieve the distress of the situation when they have been at the lowest point of their life,” says Juli.

“Homelessness seems to be on the increase. I am having to turn away referrals because, with 12 bed spaces a night, we just do not have the capacity to take any more.

“In 2009, the head count of homeless was just three, in 2010 it was 23 and this November the count was 33 – this was despite excellent interventions and seven street outreach workers helping support the homeless.”

She adds: “Homelessness is a costly business. Many of the men and women we work with have complex needs. They often have to use costly frontline services such as A&E ambulance services, and the involvement of the police and then judicial services.

“I know the Council has been thinking hard about the situation and has had a review of services. I just feel for the staff at the Salvation Army and the clients who are going to lose their home.”