OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS
Report of the Directors
For the Year ended 31 March 2025
The Directors present their report with the firkgncial ststements for the Company, for the
year ended 31 March 2025.
PURPOSES AND AIMS
The Charity's purpose, as set out in the objects contained in its Memorandum of
Association, is the ￿lief of those in need. by reason of homelessness or other causes of
vulnerability. The principal activity of the Company in the year under review was that of
fundraising and provision of volunteer ServI￿S for the relief of financial need and the
provision of accommodation and support for the homeless in St Albans and Hertfordshire.
The Charity works in partnership with Hightown Housing Association (Hightown), which
operates and manages the serVi￿S provided at Open Door Night Shelter. It also provides
additional accommodation for homeless people during the winter months" and makes
occasional grants to other organisations.
Open Door- St Albans is a registered charity (reg no. 1028528) and ￿MpanY limited by
guarantee (no. 02868633).
How our activities deliver Public Benefit
The Open Door- St. Albans Charity contributes to the running costs of the Open Door
Night Shetter at 8 Bricket Road. St. Albans. The Shelter benefits from grants from
Hertfordshire County Council's Housing-related Support gran( and St Albans City and
District Council.
The Shelter gives single ensuite accommodation to up to 12 people each night. The
facilities are available either by agency referral or by self-referral. Open Door Night Shelter
also provides daytime dropin servI￿S which offer support and advi￿, induding on
housing, health care, and the ServI￿S available from other relevant agencies.
The Open Door Charity supports the Open Door Night Shelter homelessness servi￿,
which during 2024r25 supported 49 individuals into more settled housing. The Charity
makes grants ft>r specific purposes to supplement public funding, provides volunteers and
raises awareness of homelessness issues. Our volunteers make an important contrFbution
to the success of the projecL In parttcular they prepa￿ and serve lunch at the drop-in,
and also provide residents and Wnter Beds service users with a hot evening meal.
Volunteers also provide services for individuals. such as helping those for whom English
is a second language, and a number of local businesses give practical help from the
donation of food to working to improve the facilities provided and to enhan￿ the
environment for residents. These volunteers are recruited and overseen by our Publicity.
Fundraising and Administration Coordinator. directly employed by the Charity-
The Charity provides grant funding to Hightown to employ the Safer Streets Outreach
Worker, who makes contact wtth and supports those on the streets, to help rough sleepers
to lead a more settled way of life. There are still people sleeping rough in St Albans -
during 2024125, on average 9 rough sleepers were vetified at quarterly ¢x)unts. though the
The Company is a registered charity (number 1028528). In this ￿Port, the Company is
referred to on occasion as Ihe Charity,.

actual number is estimated at 12 to 15, unchanged from the previous year. Many of these
have limited opb'ons for moving on both because there is a serious shortage of suitable
accommodation, andlor because of their particular circumStan￿S and issues.
The Charity also provides food supplies and manages a volunteer team of 70 to prepare
lunches and a hot evening meal. these are part funded by Hightown. We meet regularly
with Hightown to review service provision through Street Outreach and the Night Shelter,
and to consider ways in which services might be developed. Discussions are ongoing to
find ways to extend the operating hours of the Night Shelter.
Over the winter months the Charity provides volunteer run direct servi￿5 to rough
sleepers. via the Wnter Beds project. This year, the project retumed to a city ￿ntre.
shared sleeping space, hosted by Marlborough Road Methodist Church. Accommodation
was provided every night from December 2024 through to the end of March 2025: in total,
9 individuals were accommodated, using 72 volunteers across the season. The service
was jointly funded by the Council, with referrals managed by our Safer Streets OLrtreath
worker. The charity is reviewing with Hightown and the Council how we can best provide
effective support to rough sleepers over the winter months.
Across the* servI￿s. volunteers gave almost 4.0(Y) hours of their time during 2024r25.
with an estimated value of £45.500.
During the year the Charity continued to fund a counselling scheme, provided by Rephael
House, to give access to early therapy ft)r service users at the Night Shelter, those re￿ntlY
moved to supported accommodation, and rough sleepers. The Servi￿ has been well
received by clients, with reasonable levels of engagement. enabling them to begin to
address often complex issues, as a prelude to engaging with further support.
The Charity provides small grants to assist resettlement of individuals, although none
were made in 2024125. We occasionally pay rent and services for people in need who
have nowhere to stay and have no access to benefits or other public funds, to give some
tj'me to find them a pla￿ to go.
We continue to maintain strong relationships with other local charities and statutory
agencies including St Albans District Council. for example, liaising in the provision of
meals to rough sI￿perS, and in exploring options for our winter provision and for further
daytime facilities.
The Charitys funding benefits the direct recipients of the ServI￿S provided at the Night
Shelter and also has indirect impacts on the wider community. We encourage charitable
giving by local people, whether through volunteering orthrough fundraising and donations.
Many of our supporters and fundraisers are young people, who want to help homeless
and vulnerable people.
Our support for the Night Shelter over many years has helped improve the lives of
homeless people, by enabling them to address their personal issues and live more settled
lives. in tum helping them to play a fuller part in the local community.

The Directors (wtK) are also trustees of the Charity. appointed by existing trustees) for
the year ending March 2025 were:
Rachel Merelie (Chainnan. from November 2024)
Peter Graham (Vice Chairman and Acting Chair to October 2024)
Lindsey McLeod ffreasurer)
Jacqueline Button (Secretary)
Richard Upton
Andy Thoms
Roger Gosine
Edward Dunn
In addition. Carfa Watson has been appointed as a Director and trustee. (from April
2025).
The Directors have complied with the duty laid out in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of
the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of truSt￿S and authorised ft)r
. and are signed on its behalf by:
Rachel Merelie
Chairman
Charity Registration Number 1028528 (England and Wales)

OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Year ended 31 March 2025
Restricted
income
funds
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024125 2023124
Note
un￿stricted
funds
Income
Donations and legacies
64,549
26,6C6
91,155 114,(￿6
Investments
9,988
9.988
10,790
Total
74.537
26.6[￿ 101,143 124.856
Expenditu
Raising funds
Charitable activities
86.760
26,6(IS 113,366 134,593
Publicity & Admin
18,746
18.746
16,026
Total
105,506
26,6(￿ 132,112 150.619
Net incomel{Expenditure)
(30,969)
(30,969) (25,763)

OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS
BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 MARCH 2025
Total
Total
2024125 2023124
Note
Current assets
Debtors
20,149
23,048
2[￿,358 244.￿1
226.507 268,009
Cash at bank arKI in hand
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
6.109
16,642
Net current assetsl (liabilities)
220,398 251.367
Reserves
Unrestricted funds:
General
Development
Total Reserves
14
14
158.956 189,925
61.442
61,442
220.398 251,367
The Company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies
Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The members have not required the Company to obtain an audit of its financial
statements for Ihe year ended 31 March 2025 in accordan￿ with Section 476 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for"
a) ensuring that the Company keeps accounting records which comply with Section
386 of the Companies Act 20(￿. and
b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company as at the end of eath financial year and of its profit or loss for each
financial year in accordan￿ with the requirements of Section 396 and ￿lch
otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to
financial statements, so far as applicable to the Company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to
small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordan￿ with
FRS102 SORP.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
Approved by the Board on .......... .

OPEN DOOR- ST ALBANS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been p￿Pared under the historical cost convention
and in accordance with the 2019 Charities SORP (FRS102).
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activitie5 (SOFA) when:
the charity becomes enb'tled to the resources"
it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the reSoUr￿s.
the monetary value be measured wilh sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations a￿ only included in the SOFA when the general income
recognits'on criteria are met
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses.
Legacies a￿ induded in the SOFA when re￿Ipt is probable, that is, where
there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are
sufficient assets in the estate, and any conditions attached to the legacy are
either within the control of the charity. or have been met
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid dedaration from
the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donats.on is considered to be
part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial
donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified othenNiSe.
Donated ServI￿S and facilities are included in the SOFA when ￿￿1ved, at the
value of the gift to the charity (if material) provided the value of the gift can be
measured reliably.
The value of any voluntary help re￿iVed is not induded in the accounts but is
described in the trustees, annual reporL
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or
constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the
amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable ￿rtainty.

Analysis of Income
Restricted
income
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Total
Total
2024125 2023124
Donations and Legacies
Donations and gifts
51,218
51,218
64,242
Gift Aid
2,194
2,194
2,412
Legacies
2,500
Grants
26,6(
26,606
27,684
Fundraising
11,137
11,137
17,228
Total
64.549
26,6(
91.155 114.C
Income from investments
Interest income
9,988
9,988
10,790
Total Income
74,537
26,606 101.143 124.856

Expenditure
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
Total
2024125 2023124
Expenditure on charitable activities
Activities undertaken directly:
V¥fjnter Beds Project
10,189
16,2(
26,395
35,527
Night Shelter- food provision
3,305
10,4(K)
13.705
12,979
Volunteer Coordination
12,282
12,282
11,708
Other Night Shelter support
191
191
610
Grant funding of activities:
Safer Streets Outreach Worf(er
47,428
47,428
45,569
Counselling
13,365
13,365
13,200
Druglink pilot
Night shelter - fumiture & equipment
Total Expenditure
on Charitable Activities
5,500
86,760
26,606 113,366 134,593
Other Costs
Publicity, Fundraising & Admin
Coordinator
12.282
12,282
11,708
Other Admin costs
4,318
Fundraising Costs
Total Other Costs
18,746
18.746
16,026
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
26 606 132,112 150,619

Debtors and Creditors
The followirYJ debtors and creditors were held at 31 March.
31 March
2025
31 March
2024
Debtors..
Gift Aid tax reclaimed
St Albans City & District Council
Interest
Prepayment for ojunselling
2,178
15,000
2,389
17,531
928
20,149
23,048
Creditors:
Vthnter Beds
Hightown HA - grant for Str￿t Outreach
Other serVi￿S
4.854
11,392
451
6,109
16.642
Operating Surplusl (Deficit)
The operating deficit for the year ended 31 March 2025 is £40.957 and the overall
deficit after interest eamed is £30,￿9. There were no reporting f￿S ft)r
accountsncy, and no directors, emoluments or other benefits accruing to Directors.
Restricted Funds
Income given to meet specific expenditure, and the related expenditure, are
classified as restricted in the accounts. All such income r￿1Ved in 2024125 (St
Albans District Council contributs.on to Wnter Bed Projec( and Hightovm
contribution to food costs) was fully spent during the year.
Taxation
The Company is a registered charity wlth no trading activities, and therefore not
subject to corporation tax.
Company Status
The Company is limited by guarantee and d￿S not have a share capital.
Related Parties
No transadions have been inCu￿ed where trustees hold related party interests.
10 Remuneration
No director or any party related to them has re￿iVed any remuneration. expenses
or other benefit during Ihe year.

11 Employee Costs
The Charity employs one part time member of staff, with total salary, pension and
employerfs national insurance costs below £25.(KK). A PAYE scheme is operated
in compliance with HMRC regulations.
12 Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
The employee is enrolled in a Defined ContributJ"on pension scheme, to which both
employerfs and emplOy￿'S contributions are made.
13 Grants to Other Organisations and Individuals
Grants to other organisations for the provision of homeless support activities at or
from the Bricket Road Night Shelter comprise:
Hightown - Safer Streets Outreach Worker
Rephael House - Counselling
47,428
13365
60,793
No other grants were made to other organisations and individuals during the
financial year.
14 General Reserves
Movements on General Reserves are as shown in the Statement of Financial
Activities. The balan￿ on the General Fund at 31 March 2025 v￿S £158.956, and
on the Development Fund was £61,442.
Reserves Policy
The General Fund is held to support the ongoing activtties of the tharity-
It is the Charity's policy to hold in reserves, as a minimum. the amount needed to
meet running costs for 9 months. This reflects the un￿rtain nature of donations
income, and the commitments made to grant funding and specific projects. The
Charity's expenditu￿ budget for 2025126 is £133,OtX). giving 9 months costs of
£99,750.
The current level of the General Fund (£159k) represents a balance built up since
2010, during which time the Chanty has benefited from reductions in the net
annual running costs of the Open Door Night Shelter servI￿s, largely due to
increased income from higher occupancy" continued generous donats"ons, legacies
and fundraising.
For the last four years, Ihe Charity has run with an annual deficit of £25-30k. This
reflects the cost of the IV¥fjnter Beds project. along with more general cost
increases. Vve are working to cover this shortfall by generating new sources of
income. including grants, but we expect the General Fund to continue to reduce in
2025126 and possibly beyond, until this additional income is achieved.
The Charity also holds a Development Fund accounL which at 31 March 2025
stands at £61,442. This ￿nd is used for the development of new projects in line
with our charitable objectives" and for the refurbishment and development of

facilities at the Night Shelter, which is leased to Hightown by St Albans Cty and
District Council at a peppercom rent.
The TruSt￿S recognise the n￿d to use its reserves to help address the
continuing issues facing homeless people and those at risk of trKKnelessness, in
the St Albans area. Vthilst support for the Night Shelter and drop in ServI￿S
provided at 8 Bricket Road remains a core activity. the Charity has the scope to
use its reserves to fund and support new initiatives which help vulnerable people
in St Albans, particularly the homeless, change their lives for the better, and to find
suitable short or long term housing solutions whith meet their particular n￿d5.
These may be either at or away from Bricket Road, with Hightown ancvor in
conjunction with other charitable organisations. We are currently exploring options
to provide increased support for Night Shelter guests, in partnership with Hightown
and the District Council.
We will draw on reserves as we develop the portfolio of new projects based on
these ￿Search findings and the changing homelessness situation, over the future
monlhs and years. We will also extend our fundraising activities to support new
ventures where appropriate.

Independent examinevs report to the trustees of Open Door St Albans
I repcyt to the trustees on my examination of the accxjjnts of Ihe Open D(x)r_ St Albans Charitable Company
(Ihe Company) for the year erKled 31 March 2025.
Responsibillties and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (arKJ also its direct￿ for the purFM)ses of company law)
you are responsiue for the Preparati(￿ of the accounts in ac(x)rdance with the requirements of the
Ci)mpanies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act'}.
Having satisfied myself that the aC￿ntS of the Company are Tr)t required to be audited under
Part 16 of Ihe 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I repcmt in respect of my
exarnination of your chartvs accxmjnts as otried out under sect.on 145 of the Chartties Act 2011
{'the 2011 Act.). In carying out my examinati￿ I have followe(I the Dire&￿$ given by Charity
Commission under section 14515> {b) of Ihe 2011 Act.
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examinati￿. I cJ)nfirm that no matters have c*Jme to my attentton in
connection with the examinab'on givirwJ me (zuse to believe that in any material resped:
1. accounting records weTe rK)t kept in res[￿ of the C(Knpany as required by sedK)n 386 of
the 2006 Act.. I
2. the accounts do not accord with those records: c
3. the accounts do not ccmply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act
other than any requirement that the acc￿nts give a 'tvue ar¥J fair view vthith is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examiThation; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordan￿ with the methtxjs arKI principles of the
Statement of Recommended practi￿ fi￿ actounting and reporting by small cx)mpanies sutyect to Ihe small
company's regime.
I have no COn￿mS and have cx)me acms5 no other matters in cimnection wilh the examination to
which attentic)n should be drawn in this retx)rt in order to enatle a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name". A
Address..
Date.. 5 October 2025
Hutthison B
CA