OPEN DOOR LAUNCHES NEW REDEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN

19.08.2008

On Saturday August 16th the Mayor of St Albans and District, Councillor Bert Pawle, officially launched the Open Door Redevelopment Appeal.

Plans to redevelop the Open Door emergency night shelter in Bricket Road, St Albans moved a step closer thanks to a recent announcement from the Housing Minister Caroline Flint. As part of the Government’s Places of Change Programme (PCP), the Housing Minister selected Open Door to receive £525,000. The funds will help redevelop the night shelter by replacing the existing dormitory provision with 12 single rooms with self-contained facilities. Open Door was one of only six projects in the Eastern region to bid successfully for funds.

It is estimated that the Open Door redevelopment will cost approximately £1 million. The £525,000 received from the Government will go towards the overall project costs with the remaining money hopefully being raised through fundraising.

On Saturday August 16th between 11.30 and 2.30pm the Open Door Trust launched the £400,000 Redevelopment Appeal. At the launch there was an opportunity to have a tour of the night shelter, listen to presentations about the redevelopment project, have a preview of the plans for the building and take part in a large balloon launch to officially start the new appeal.

Sarah Gray, Fundraising Consultant, said: “It is an exciting time for Open Door. Everyone involved with the night shelter was delighted to receive the Government’s Places of Change Programme money to help redevelop the existing night shelter.

“As part of the plans we hope to introduce separate accommodation for clients which will help to promote dignity and self-esteem. We want to support homeless people to gain the self confidence necessary to access housing and employment by introducing daytime training and education activities.” 

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