A HOMELESSNESS charity is thrilled to have opened its second shop in Bradford - with this one being in the city centre.

Located at 54-60 Sunbridge Road on the corner opposite the former TJ Hughes department store, Emmaus Bradford has two floors filled with second-hand furniture, homewares, collectibles, clothes, books, electricals, toys and more.

The charity hope the new store, along with their other one on Cross Lane, will help raise essential funds to open the first Emmaus community in the city, which would provide a stable home, ongoing support and meaningful work to people who have experienced homelessness.

Chair of Emmaus Bradford Rachel De Luca said: “We are really excited to open our second shop in Bradford.

“The city centre location will make easier for those without transport to get to. It is a much brighter and more modern space compared to our existing shop.

“We are hoping its prominent position will attract more customers and help raise the profile of Emmaus Bradford which will be a great benefit when we are fundraising for our community building.

“We are now looking for volunteers to help us in the shop so anyone interested should email us at emmausbradford@outlook.com.”

253,000 people in England are homeless and living in temporary accommodation during the pandemic – the highest figure for 14 years.

Whilst there is some help for them in Bradford, the Emmaus model goes further in the provision of a stable home and a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’.

Run by a team of dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees, who come from a variety of different sectors and backgrounds, the new shop, which opened on April 12, is expected to become a popular destination for people interested in furniture upcycling and sustainable shopping.

Trustee Sarah Dixon added: “The opening of the new Emmaus Bradford shop will provide access to affordable furniture and clothing for people in financial difficulty.

“It will also support the future of retail in Bradford’s city centre in these difficult times, which is something I am very passionate about.”

“Bradford has many beautiful buildings and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to take advantage of one of them in this unique corner location between Sunbridge Road and Kirkgate.

“Whilst we cannot fully compensate for the loss of large department stores, I am convinced that our offering of a wide range of quality pre-loved goods will help fill the gap with a more environmentally friendly approach.”