emergency housing complex, it was revealed yesterday.

The Christmas boost for those without a roof over their heads, which opens on Thursday, is a joint scheme between the Salvation Army, Government and the Corporation of Hamilton.

The move comes after The Royal Gazette and RG Magazine turned the spotlight on the homeless and the lack of a place for them to go during the day.

A Royal Gazette editorial said last month: "Clearly there is a need for a day shelter for those who have nowhere to go....'' Health and Social Services Minister Harry Soares said last night Government had operated a day centre about three years ago in Government-owned premises in Angle Street, Hamilton.

But he said proposals for a permanent centre involving the use of another venue submitted a year ago were "horrendously expensive''.

He added: "I asked everybody to go back to the drawing board -- the Salvation Army came up with this plan which is absolutely fantastic.

"It's so cost-effective and it does everything we wanted it to do -- I'm very excited about it because it's that time of year. Christmas is coming up and it will open on the day the Salvation Army provides it's annual Christmas dinner for the homeless.'' Mr. Soares said if demand for the centre, which will run for six months initially, was strong, Government would look at providing a permanent day centre in a separate building.

A Government spokesman said the Salvation Army approached the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Corporation of Hamilton around two weeks ago to say they could provide a day centre at its night shelter in Parsons Road -- but needed help with modifications to the building and funding for staffing.

The Government spokesman added: "At the centre, the Salvation Army will provide a noon meal, counselling, referral to other community services and daytime recreation.'' MP Dr. Ewart Brown, who last month called for volunteers to help the homeless -- many of whom suffer from mental illnesses -- by taking them to St.

Brendan's Hospital for evaluation, also welcomed the move.

New day centre for homeless the Salvation Army have responded to the call.

"I believe that St. Brendan's Hospital will be involved -- that's what I have been calling for and I think it's a wonderful holiday gift for the homeless.

"It's not the end of the effort, but it's a wonderful beginning,'' he said.

"And I believe this is the direction we have to go in as we try to solve the homeless problem.'' The new day centre, which will be able to cope with up to 40 people at a time, is to be open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The new scheme will be monitored over the next six months and its long-term usefulness judged.

The Salvation Army will fund the centre for the next two months when Government will take over financing.

The Corporation of Hamilton carried out the alterations needed to open the day centre and persuaded businesses to donate the furniture.

The Government spokesman said: "All concerned are pleased that they have been able to do something concrete to alleviate the plight of the homeless and particularly pleased that they were able to get the project going in short order.''