Charity store run by the people it supports opens after move

Lee, who is supported by homelessness charity Emmaus, is part of the team of formerly homeless people running the charity store.

A charity store run exclusively by the people it supports has reopened in a new location in Rochdale town centre.

Homelessness charity Emmaus is now selling preloved furniture and great value new beds and kitchen appliances from unit 50 at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.

The outlet used to belong to Boots, and, to champion reuse, the homelessness charity has repurposed some of the old fixtures and fittings to set up a till and displays for its selection of new and second-hand goods.

One of the people supported by Emmaus, Jed, who works on the shop floor and on van deliveries and collections, said: “It was really hard work moving the store, but it was worth doing well to create a better range and a new revitalised Emmaus in Rochdale. When you come in, you’ll get a bargain and a solid piece of furniture from us.

“People can go downhill when work is not there for them every day. Work is very important. We all need occupations in our lives.”

All income generated from the sale of new and second-hand goods helps the charity raise the vital funds needed to provide community homes and support for up to 50 people building back from homelessness in Lancashire and East Manchester.

With help from Emmaus, people supported by the charity are provided with certified training opportunities, the chance to take part in college and university courses, and go on career taster days.
 

Read more: Knowledge-exchange helps people re-building lives after homelessnessPublished: 15 August 2023

Part of the support offered by Emmaus is helping individuals work through any issues that may have arisen while they were experiencing homelessness, to help people get back on two feet again and live more fulfilled lives.

As Lee, who is also supported by Emmaus, (pictured) explained: “All your purchases help homeless people build back.”

Emmaus Department Store is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm at 50 Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, OL16 1EA.