A Bradford housing charity which has been running in the city for almost half a century is about to merge with a bigger national organisation so it can better meet the needs of people it wants to help.

CHAS (City Housing Aid Service), which has built up a reputation as one of West Yorkshire’s largest furniture recycling projects, is joining the St Vincent de Paul Society – but will keep its own identity under the name CHAS@StVincent’s.

All its 27 staff responsible for its housing advice office and its furniture store and shop in Rebecca Street, near St Patrick’s Church, have now been transferred to the new charity.

And there are plans ahead for CHAS@StVincents to expand its services by repairing furniture and opening more shops to the public.

Despite the merger, CHAS@StVincents will continue to work entirely with clients in the Bradford district and Bradford Council has confirmed it will keep up its working-relationship by paying for the services it contracts out to the charity, offering housing and debt advice.

One of the initiatives that will continue are advice-giving opportunities run from doctors’ surgeries in various parts of the city.

CHAS Chairman Peter Meredith said “I am delighted the merger has been finalised. As the retiring chairman of CHAS, I am convinced the new organisation will continue to bring the same services for Bradford.”

Mike Worthington, National President of the St Vincent de Paul charity, said: “By coming together in this way, we will be able to enhance our services to those in need in these difficult economic times.”

The St Vincent de Paul’s Support Centre runs from premises in York Road, Leeds, and helps deprived communities.

Mr Worthington said both organisations were very dependent on the generosity of donors who provide used furniture and goods.

Adrian Abel, National Treasurer of the SVP said: “The reserves accumulated by the prudent management of CHAS give us the chance to invest in new facilities, which are being ring-fenced for use in Bradford, using the expertise the SVP have accumulated especially.”

To find out more about the organisations’ work, go to svp.org.uk/02whatwedo/stjudesfurniturestore.htm or chasbradford.btck.co.uk.