A HOMELESSNESS charity which opened at a unit in Rhyl’s White Rose Centre has clarified how it will help people in the area.
Ahava Community open its store in Rhyl on Tuesday, March 26, at the unit of the shopping centre formerly occupied by New Look and a “pop-up” Halloween and Christmas shop.
But residents had expressed concern that, because the charity is based primarily in London, its Rhyl shop will not benefit people in the town or elsewhere in Denbighshire or North Wales.
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Homelessness charity opens Rhyl store in shopping centre
When contacted by the Journal, Ahava said it will employ people from the area at its Rhyl shop, and is also working in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council.
It will also take referrals from the area to help those in need, it added.
Kim Merry, Ahava chief executive, said: “Local people will be employed by the charity and we are working in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council to get people trained and back to work.
“When the local manager is appointed, they will signpost homeless people to local and national services as well as provide clothes and necessary items to people in need.
“If there is a need in the area for further homelessness provision we would work with the charitable sector to see if the expertise we have is useful for filling that gap.
“Our fundraising aim is to provide a national centre for recovery from addiction. This will not be London-based, and referrals will be taken from across the country, including Wales.
“We have been generally very warmly welcomed by the local people in Rhyl and look forward to working with the council, voluntary sector and the people in need and indeed the general public.”
Ahava Community is an organisation which works towards ending homelessness and supporting individuals in crisis throughout the year.
It operates a Catalyst Night Shelter, which is open 365 days a year and provides refuge and essential services.
Currently, it has other UK charity shops in Romford, Grays, Canterbury, Dartford, Darlington, Kings Lynn, Scunthorpe, North Shields and Sheffield.
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