Local homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire will be opening its doors to welcome the public at its Open Day and Local Business Fair on Saturday 6 July.
Emmaus Hertfordshire offers up to 39 people the opportunity to rebuild their lives following homelessness by providing a home for as long as they need it and the chance to gain new skills by volunteering in its social enterprise.
People may be used to visiting one of the charity’s five second-hand shops in Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, St Albans and Tring, but rarely get to see behind the scenes and around the accommodation provided to the 39 people they support.
Taking place at the charity’s St Albans site, the Emmaus Hertfordshire Open Day will include a market with local businesses, social enterprises, and charities. Visitors will also be able to take part in hourly tours of the Emmaus community, upholstery and wood workshop demonstrations, live music, activities for children, cream teas and strawberries, and Indian vegan street food from Rekha’s catering.
The charity will be offering super deals in its second-hand furniture store throughout the day. Emmaus Hertfordshire generates its income from selling second-hand items in its social enterprise, meaning all items purchased by the public helps to ensure the charity can maintain its community home and continue its work in supporting people to overcome homelessness.
Speaking about the day, Business Development Manager, Jennifer Hewson, said:
“Regular visitors to our shops will know a bit about what we do but may not realise that the people they see working in the shops are the people we support while they are overcoming the effects of homelessness. For those who have not yet visited us, we would encourage you to come and find out more about our work, see how a social enterprise can change people’s lives, meet local businesses, and enjoy great food and live music. For those people who have supported us throughout the years, we would like to say a huge thank you and look forward to seeing you on the day.”
The Emmaus Hertfordshire Open Day and Small Business Fair will take place between 10am and 2pm at Hill End Lane, St Albans, AL4 0FE. For any enquires about the day, please contact Emmaus Hertfordshire at: [email protected] or 01727 817294.
