New homeless charity appeals for help

11:03am Saturday 18th October 2008

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HAMPSHIRE residents are being urged to help support a charity that offers a long-term solution to homelessness.

Emmaus Hampshire is building a community for up to 23 homeless people in Winchester.

The Green Roof Community at Bar End will provide homeless people with somewhere to live, work and rebuild their lives.

The community will accept donations of good quality second-hand goods for resale at the Emmaus shop, which will be situated on site and will open to the public in spring 2009.

Emmaus Hampshire is appealing to people to become 'Friends', by making a regular donation for a three-year period.

After then, the communities become self-supporting.

Alison Thompson, chairman of trustees, said: “This is a chance for Hampshire residents to get behind a project which will enable homeless people to make real and lasting changes in their lives and the lives of others.

“Making a regular donation will play a vital role in supporting the community in its early years and people can be sure they are investing in a movement which has a proven track record of tackling homelessness in this country and around the world.”

People will be able to see the new Emmaus community for themselves at an open day on March 3 2009, at which Terry Waite will be guest of honour.

It is hoped that the project will be able to start accepting donations of quality second-hand furniture and other household goods in January.