A new superstore is due to open in West Norwood this weekend, run by and for people of the Emmaus South Lambeth community.
Mayor of Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, will mark the official opening of the store in Beadman Street, selling donated furniture, white goods, bric a brac, clothes, books and other items.
Emmaus is an international homeless charity which provides a home for the homeless. The people it helps then contribute to the community, helping to run the businesses.
Responsibilities range from collecting donated furniture, delivering purchases, to manning the shops.
Emmaus also provides training opportunities so the people it helps are equipped with skills to get a job once they are ready to leave Emmaus.
Martine, who had been rough sleeping in Brighton, found out about Emmaus from another rough sleeper and then decided to join the Emmaus community in south Lambeth.
She said: “My daily tasks are different every day. We have a different rota every week. Tasks range from working in the shop or warehouse to housekeeping and working in the kitchen.
"I enjoy the social environment and always meeting new people. I am planning on moving on and getting a job. I’m interested in aroma therapy.”
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