The St Albans Sleepout has raised £6,043 for our charity, marking another powerful night of solidarity, awareness and compassion in support of people who have experienced homelessness.
Held on Friday 7th November, our Business Development Manager, Gemma Beckett was joined by our Boxmoor shop manager, Graham, companions Chris and Henryk, and our support worker Amanda, at the event held in Oaklands College.
Emmaus Hertfordshire was supported by a total of 31 fundraisers on the night, including a group of big-hearted pupils from The Aldenham School in Borehamwood and Damian Gaskin and his family. Damian has supported our charity at the event for 13 years, an incredible track record of support.
“Humbling experience”
Emmaus Hertfordshire’s Business Development Manager, Gemma Beckett, who took part in her third Sleepout on Friday, said: “Taking part in the sleepout is always a powerful and humbling experience and this year’s event was no exception. Spending just one night outside reminded us how tough it is for those who face this reality every day.
“It was especially poignant for us because we were joined by our Boxmoor shop manager, Graham, a former companion and a current companion, all of whom experienced street homelessness before joining our community.
“We are beyond proud of them all. A massive thank you also to our generous supporters and fundraisers whose vital funds enable us to continue transforming the lives of people affected by homelessness. We do this by providing them with a warm and stable home, employment opportunities in our social enterprises and a brighter future through tailored support, training and personal development opportunities.”
Personal stories shared
Throughout the night, attendees heard moving personal stories from people who have experienced the trauma of homelessness, including our shop manager Graham, who was supported by Emmaus SLC (Lambeth).
Graham and the other speakers’ powerful words of resilience, courage, and hope left a lasting impression on everyone who took part.
As well as benefiting our charity, the St Albans Sleepout benefits four other local homelessness charities – the event organiser, HYH (Herts Young Homeless), Open Door, Centre 33 and The Living Room.
Kindly sponsored by Mullaley and The Housing Network as Headline sponsors and The McGowan Group as supporting sponsor, the event brought together youth and social groups, families, local businesses and individuals. All were united in their commitment to tackling homelessness across Hertfordshire.
Lively entertainment
The evening began with a lively performance from local ukulele band Katie’s Jumping Fleas, followed by creative workshops run by the St Albans Arts Team. Charity representatives and local dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Nicholas Buxton, and the Deputy Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Sue Griffiths, delivered inspiring speeches highlighting the ongoing challenges of homelessness.
The night ended with the Watford Rapid Relief Team serving participants a much-appreciated breakfast roll before they departed.
Participants braved the cold to experience, for one night, a glimpse of the challenges faced by those without a safe place to call home. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, resilience, and solidarity — a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared cause.
It’s not too late to donate to our charity and help us continue our vital work. To make a donation, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/emmaussleepout25