Who we are

Founded in 1993, Open Door Charity continues to support the Open Door Homeless hub and provides volunteer-led support in St Albans. Guided by trustees with strong local ties and wide-ranging experience.

Who we are

Open Door Charity is led by a Board of trustees, with strong local connections and a wealth of experience across a range of professional and community backgrounds. Together, they provide strategic direction, ensure good governance, and support the charity to deliver its work with care, integrity and purpose.

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Our Trustees

Rachel Merelie became Chair of the Open Door Charity in 2024 after a career as a senior civil servant in regulation, competition, and policy. A long-time St Albans resident, she is now focused on using her experience to lead the Trustees and support local efforts to tackle homelessness.
A retired senior civil servant, he has long been active in local charities supporting homeless and vulnerable people, including serving as Chair and now trustee of Centre 33.
She is also a member of the Winter Beds Steering Group, and helps with fundraising activities including the annual Sleepout
She is a partner in the property department at SA Law LLP, specialising in development work.
He has been a resident of St Albans since 1993. A former communications officer with a Hertfordshire NHS trust, he also volunteers with the St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme.
He has lived in St Albans since 1997. He is a strategy, sales, and marketing consultant for technology companies and a lecturer at Hertfordshire University’s Business School.
He specialises in charity audit work, has led mental health initiatives at a local accounting firm, and now uses his expertise to support the board’s positive impact.
A St Albans resident who has a passion for supporting those who are experiencing homelessness. Carla has worked in the homelessness and support sector for over 24 years and is keen to support her local area with her skills and knowledge.
Kerry served as MP for St Albans from 1997 to 2005, playing a key role in founding the Open Door night shelter. Although no longer a trustee, he remains an honorary president in recognition of his dedication to the charity.
Rachel Merelie became Chair of the Open Door Charity in 2024 after a career as a senior civil servant in regulation, competition, and policy. A long-time St Albans resident, she is now focused on using her experience to lead the Trustees and support local efforts to tackle homelessness.
A retired senior civil servant, he has long been active in local charities supporting homeless and vulnerable people, including serving as Chair and now trustee of Centre 33.
She is also a member of the Winter Beds Steering Group, and helps with fundraising activities including the annual Sleepout
She is a partner in the property department at SA Law LLP, specialising in development work.
He has been a resident of St Albans since 1993. A former communications officer with a Hertfordshire NHS trust, he also volunteers with the St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme.
He has lived in St Albans since 1997. He is a strategy, sales, and marketing consultant for technology companies and a lecturer at Hertfordshire University’s Business School.
He specialises in charity audit work, has led mental health initiatives at a local accounting firm, and now uses his expertise to support the board’s positive impact.
A St Albans resident who has a passion for supporting those who are experiencing homelessness. Carla has worked in the homelessness and support sector for over 24 years and is keen to support her local area with her skills and knowledge.
Kerry served as MP for St Albans from 1997 to 2005, playing a key role in founding the Open Door night shelter. Although no longer a trustee, he remains an honorary president in recognition of his dedication to the charity.
Rachel Merelie became Chair of the Open Door Charity in 2024 after a career as a senior civil servant in regulation, competition, and policy. A long-time St Albans resident, she is now focused on using her experience to lead the Trustees and support local efforts to tackle homelessness.
A retired senior civil servant, he has long been active in local charities supporting homeless and vulnerable people, including serving as Chair and now trustee of Centre 33.
She is also a member of the Winter Beds Steering Group, and helps with fundraising activities including the annual Sleepout
She is a partner in the property department at SA Law LLP, specialising in development work.
He has been a resident of St Albans since 1993. A former communications officer with a Hertfordshire NHS trust, he also volunteers with the St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme.
He has lived in St Albans since 1997. He is a strategy, sales, and marketing consultant for technology companies and a lecturer at Hertfordshire University’s Business School.
He specialises in charity audit work, has led mental health initiatives at a local accounting firm, and now uses his expertise to support the board’s positive impact.
A St Albans resident who has a passion for supporting those who are experiencing homelessness. Carla has worked in the homelessness and support sector for over 24 years and is keen to support her local area with her skills and knowledge.
Kerry served as MP for St Albans from 1997 to 2005, playing a key role in founding the Open Door night shelter. Although no longer a trustee, he remains an honorary president in recognition of his dedication to the charity.
One of our former residents got back in touch to say:
I now have a job, I’m married and have a child. Without the support of the Open Door Charity, it couldn’t have happened. Please help them to turn around people’s lives.
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Registered Charity No. 1028528

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