A leading homelessness charity has made a celebrated comeback to the heart of St Albans, filling a key vacant building on the high street with purpose and community spirit.
A New Chapter on St Peters Street
Emmaus Hertfordshire officially launched its newest store on January 16, marking a significant return after being away from the city centre for twenty months. The charity has taken over the premises that were once a Virgin Money bank at 1 Lockey House on St Peters Street. This move follows the closure of its previous city centre workshop and shop, which had served the community for three years.
The reopening was made possible with support from local authorities, including St Albans MP Daisy Cooper and St Albans City and District Council, who helped the charity secure the central location. Gemma Beckett, Business Development Manager at Emmaus Hertfordshire, expressed her delight: "It’s fantastic to be back in St Albans. This wouldn’t have been possible without amazing local support."
An Eclectic Mix for Conscious Shoppers
The new two-storey shop promises a treasure trove for those seeking unique and ethical purchases. Its carefully curated stock includes a diverse range of items:
- Restored furniture: Beautifully upcycled pieces created in the charity's own workshop.
- Film production curios: One-off statement items donated by a production company.
- Ethical gifts from India: Handmade silk shawls, cosmetic bags, and baskets from Emmaus India.
- Everyday quality goods: From high-quality preloved clothing and homewares to vinyl records and small electrical items.
While the ground floor operates as the retail space, the second floor is dedicated to the charity's expanding online sales operations, ensuring its reach extends beyond the local area.
More Than a Shop: A Lifeline for Companions
The store's mission goes far beyond retail. Every purchase directly funds the charity's core work: providing a stable home, meaningful employment, and personalised support for its 'companions'. These are individuals who have experienced homelessness and are now rebuilding their lives towards independent living.
To support this vital new chapter, Emmaus has launched a dual appeal to the St Albans community. The charity is actively seeking volunteers to help with sorting, pricing, and displaying donations in the new shop. Furthermore, they are calling for quality preloved item donations. For larger furniture donations, they offer a free collection service.
The new Emmaus shop is open from 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Residents can find out more about volunteering or arranging a furniture collection via the Emmaus Hertfordshire website.
