Open Door Charity programmes in St Albans

The services from Open Door are aimed at families in poverty as well as the homeless. The volunteers at the charity offer people sleeping rough both a bed to sleep in as well as a hot meal. The aid is offered in partnership with Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association.

When it comes to long term support, there is signposting to both local council as well as government schemes for everything from welfare to deposit help or housing benefits. The volunteers will even help clients with applications.

The shelter at Open Door Charity is for one night only. The location is in St Albans. Not only will the person from the Hertfordshire area be given a bed to sleep in, but they are also provided other practical support as well as advice. The temporary housing is only for individuals over the age of 18.

There are shelters for young people though as well, it is just that Open Door does not run them. The accommodations are for individuals that are sofa surfing or homeless and on the streets. However the volunteers can signpost the young person to a charity that may be able to provide the client a bed. Or other option is to contact the local council’s housing department.

The drop in centre at Open Door is where other assistance is provided from. The centre is on Bricket Road and this is where the Homelessness Service team works from. All of the assistance is available only as the result of volunteers from St Albans as well as the support from others in the local community.

The drop in centre has three main programmes provided. They include helping a client find a job with a livable wage. So there are internet access points at the site that people can use to search for a job. Or they can sign up for the IT workshops. This is also key for the homeless and people in poverty. They often struggle to find a job because of prejudices from companies.

Move on schemes are also provided. This is the second programme run by the organisation. With many people still impacted by government cut-backs on benefits or a loss of job, it is often a struggle to find a safe and affordable flat to live in.

This programme from Open Door will help individuals move on from homelessness to a new home in the social or private sector in Hertfordshire County. As part of this process the Homelessness Service team will explore all options for the individual.

With many prospective tenants struggling to come up with the cash deposit for a new home, this is where they can get information on financial assistance programmes. There are both resources from charities as well as from councils in Hertfordshire, such as deposit schemes.

If a client thinks they may be eligible, the team will also help them fill forms for those local council bond schemes. All of the housing advice is free, and Open Door is a great place to learn about local council schemes as well as benefits.

The Open Door Charity will also, lastly, offer practical support to people over the age of 18. They will either be given a free hot meal or a voucher to a local food bank in St Albans. There is also access to a laundry and, if the charity has it, they will pass out clothing and hygiene items. During Christmas, the homeless may also be given a meal or gift.

The main centre is on 8 Bricket Road in St Albans. Anyone from the are can drop in for help. Or ring 1727 859113 for more information on the services.