The Inverclyde Centre on Dalrymple Street is currently being wound down as part of a planned shutdown of the building and switch to a community-based accommodation model supported by a dedicated helpline.

The centre had capacity for 24 people, but rooms have been phased out in recent months, and there are currently just a handful in use, with arrangements being made to rehouse the remaining residents.

The building is now closed to the public, but homelessness services will continue to be provided via the dedicated 01475 715880 number, which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people will be offered community-based accommodation where it is required.

During normal office hours, people can also access support from the Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) office on William Street, Greenock, within the James Watt Building.

The homeless centre transition is being led by the HSCP – a partnership between the council and health board – and was approved by the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB), which oversees the work of the HSCP.

Councillor Francesca Brennan, vice-chair of the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB) and convener of Inverclyde Council’s social work and social care scrutiny panel, said: “The Inverclyde Centre will soon close but it’s important to remember that the homelessness service is not closing and will continue as a community-based model supported by a new 24/7 helpline.

“The homeless shelter-style service at the Inverclyde Centre is an outdated model and the building itself is no longer fit for purpose.

“Temporary accommodation will still be available but it will be in the community, which is a more dignified solution for people who find themselves in a housing emergency.

“The main aim, however, remains around early intervention and prevention to avoid people becoming homeless in the first place and supporting them with other housing options.

“The dedicated phone line is for people who are in a housing emergency but also for those who are at risk of becoming homeless and is supported by trained staff who can explore all options available and find solutions.”

Anyone who presents as homeless in Inverclyde will be assessed over the phone by trained professional staff, be provided with access to out-of-hours support and will be able to access temporary accommodation in Inverclyde where required.

The Inverclyde Centre building on Dalrymple Street, Greenock, was opened in 1944 and has space for up to 24 people.

The model of emergency accommodation in a communal setting is identified as being out of step with national policy, local strategic ambitions and best practice in homelessness services.

Challenges such as anti-social behaviour, risks to vulnerable groups and staff and trauma exposure have driven the change, alongside staff and service user feedback.

By closing the centre, the number of temporary furnished flats in Inverclyde will increase and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is working with registered social landlords on this.

Stakeholders and partners including registered social landlords, police, third-sector organisations, strategic housing services, and a range of HSCP services have been included in the decommissioning process.

The building, which is owned by Inverclyde Council, is expected to be demolished at a later date.