Post by Colin Henderson on Apr 6, 2012 11:45:29 GMT
From local press:
A charity that has served Croydon residents for nearly 50 years closed last week.
Croydon Housing Aid Society (Chas) provided free, independent housing support and advice to families who were homeless or living in poor or overcrowded conditions. Chas was founded in January 1964 as part of the national Catholic Housing Aid Society, in response to the increasing housing shortage in Britain.
The organisation, based in Park Lane, was meant to merge with the Croydon Law Centre, but the decision was not viable and housing support and advice will now be provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Sena Frimpong and Lynn Openshaw have worked for the organisation for 10 and 20 years respectively, and said they were sad the organisation, which has been funded by the council for the last six years, was closing completely.
Mr Frimpong, who is returning to life as a barrister said: "I am very, very sad that we are closing. In this case the council have been very helpful, we should have merged in 2007 with the Law Centre, but there were so many problems. I will miss the clients of Croydon, now and again we have gone above and beyond and have even helped clients with bills."
Mrs Openshaw who is retiring, said: "It is a real community based organisation. You have your contacts in Croydon Council, contacts with Mind and Age Concern. I am glad to be retiring but it is sad that Chas is going altogether. I hope the new service is as accessible as we have been and as flexible."
