A HOMELESS charity which helps rough sleepers establish their own businesses is to re-launch its Eastleigh shop on September 5.

Emmaus Hampshire houses and mentors formerly homeless ‘companions’ and helps them start their own businesses.

The shop, in Leigh Road, Eastleigh, will sell a range of new clothing and electrical items alongside vintage clothing and furniture.

Organisers will also use the opening day to thank local volunteers from Sainsbury’s, who nominated Emmaus Hampshire as their charity of the year and worked hard to help open the shop.

Former rough sleeper Kelly Spinelli, who arrived at Emmaus earlier this year, hopes to establish a gardening business once she has completed a horticulture course.

She said: “When you have been down on your luck and found yourself homeless, being able to tap into the business expertise of others is worth its weight in gold. The community has been hugely supportive of my ambitions.”

Deputy Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Jane Welsh, will open the shop at 10am on Friday, September 5.