A FORMER emergency winter shelter in Newport is due to be turned into a Salvation Army hub.

The Island's homeless will benefit from a new £860,000 'assessment hub' — helping individuals receive specialist support and rebuild their lives.

The centre will be named 'Howard House', in memory of Howard Derham who tragically died while homeless in 2017.

Read more about Howard here.

Work is due to start converting the former emergency winter homeless shelter into the new facility, which is being run by experienced homeless charity, The Salvation Army.

The Isle of Wight Council says the centre is a key part of its drive to end rough sleeping.

The plan takes a 'housing first' approach, which means people are offered accommodation as a first step to overcoming the issues that have led to homelessness.

Councillor Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care, public health and housing needs, said: "Rough sleeping kills ­— it is the most dangerous form of homelessness.

"That is why it is so important that those who find themselves homeless are able to access a safe place to sleep, while in the longer term secure support to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty and exclusion.

"Howard House will become a vital tool to help us achieve this. One person sleeping rough is one too many."

The council is investing around £500,000 into the new centre, with a further £362,000 secured from the government.

The major refurbishment of the building — the former Barton Primary School — is being undertaken by local Island firm, Trevor Jones Contracting Ltd.

It is hoped the works will be completed by May.

The facility will offer up to 17 guests a safe place to stay, take a shower, have a hot drink, wash their clothes and store their belongings.

It will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Matthew Smith, Salvation Army homelessness services unit assistant regional manager, said: "We look forward to continuing to meet individual needs so people can realise their potential and feel empowered to break the cycle of homelessness.

“We are pleased to be the provider of the innovative new Isle of Wight assessment hub that will work with people to prevent rough sleeping and reduce homelessness.”