Charity of the Month

Emmaus

Emmaus Communities enable people to move on from homelessness, providing work and a home in a supportive, family environment. Companions, as residents are known, work full time collecting renovating and reselling donated furniture. This work supports the Community financially and enables residents to develop skills, rebuild their self-respect and help others in greater need.

Companions receive accommodation, food, clothing and a small weekly allowance, but for many, the greatest benefit is a fresh start. To join a Community, they sign off unemployment benefits and agree to participate in the life and work of the Community and abide by its rules, for example not bringing drugs or alcohol into the Community.

Emmaus is a secular movement, spanning 36 countries, with 19 Communities in the UK. Each Community aims to become self-supporting, with any surplus donated to others in need.

Emmaus Communities are set up when local people decide that the tried and tested Emmaus approach to homelessness would benefit their area. If initial research and consultation establishes that there is a need and local circumstances are right, volunteers come together as an Emmaus Group.

Each Emmaus Community aims to become financially self-supporting through its trading activity, primarily the re-sale of furniture and household goods donated by the public. Any surplus is used to help others in need. Newer Communities rely on donations and grants to cover their costs while the business develops, but all projects aim to become financially self-sustaining within 3 years of opening.

Emmaus Groups rely on fundraising to acquire a site, build/convert accommodation and set up the business. The Federation Office is also funded by donations and grants, both to provide its support services and also to help any Communities or Groups that urgently need funds.

Rector