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Housing

A fire has forced homeless charity House of St Barnabas to close

The Soho townhouse has been helping the homeless since 1862

Celebrated London club and homeless charity The House Of St Barnabas has been forced to close its doors after a fire damaged the building.

The fire occurred on Sunday (March 18) in the basement of the club. No-one was injured, but the damage has meant that it will not be open for the rest of this week at the very least.

The Grade 1-listed townhouse in Soho has been run as a charity to help those affected by homelessness since 1862, and has been home to a not-for-profit members club since 2013.

The venue also runs an employment training programme, with a goal “to create the strongest community of people  invested in creating a fair and equal society, where lasting work is a reality for people affected by homelessness”.

London Fire Brigade said: “Two fire engines and 10 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at an office block in Greek Street in Soho on Sunday 18 March.

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Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

“Small parts of the basement and ground floor were damaged by fire.

“The Brigade was called at 1257 and the fire was under control at 1449. Fire crews from Soho and Euston fire stations attended the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

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