Jewish Care’s Hyman Fine home in Brighton, which closed earlier this year, is to be rented by homelessness prevention charity St Mungo’s in a short-term arrangement.

With an uncertain economic outlook and some legal issues to resolve, the property will not be put up for sale until sometime in 2023.

There were security concerns about leaving the building empty for a protracted period.

With a high level of homelessness in Brighton, St Mungo’s will use the premises for its No Second Night Out service, aimed at limiting the time anyone has to spend sleeping on the streets. It offers people accommodation, food and personalised support while longer-term options are explored.

Rental income will support services for the older Brighton and Hove Jewish community, as will the net proceeds from the building’s eventual sale.

“Every measure” has been taken to ensure St Mungo’s maintains the property in a good state of repair. The on-site synagogue will be permanently locked.

Since the announcement of the home’s closure in July, the remaining residents have found alternative accommodation. Religious items and those of sentimental value to the community, such as artwork and plaques, have been removed and either returned to their donors or held securely until new homes for them are found.

Jewish Care acknowledges that the Hyman Fine’s closure has been “a very challenging time for the local Jewish community”.

Discussions about future provision are continuing with Sussex Jewish Representative Council (SJRC) and Brighton and Hove Jewish Welfare Board. Meanwhile, the arrangement with St Mungo’s was welcomed by Jewish Care chief executive Daniel Carmel-Brown.

He said he was “proud” to help those sleeping rough in Brighton “whilst ensuring the income generated from the vacant building will help fund services for the older Jewish local community, in partnership with SJRC”.

In a joint response, SJRC and the welfare board said the renting of the property to St Mungo’s was in keeping with the Jewish traditions of charity and outreach.

St Mungo’s regional head Rahul Sen thanked Jewish Care and SJRC “for the opportunity to temporarily use the building so we can operate this vital service.

“It means we can ensure people have a safe and warm place to stay instead of being on the streets.

“We are looking forward to working together and being the best neighbours we can be to the local community.”