Emmaus

Emmaus (pronounced em-MAY-us) is a homelessness charity with a difference. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, meaningful work and a sense of belonging.

For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing their self-esteem can be the most damaging part of their experience. Being on your own, with no support around you can be soul destroying, leaving you feeling worthless.

Finding your way out of that situation isn’t easy, particularly when the only options available are temporary fixes, offering a bed for the night but little to occupy your days.

Emmaus is different because it provides a home for as long as someone needs it, in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, and often re-establish relationships with loved ones.

“Companion” is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and work in the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another.
Emmaus social enterprises generate revenue that pays for companions’ home, food and upkeep, as well as providing a small weekly allowance. This is key to restoring feelings of self-worth, showing these individuals that their actions make a real difference, both to their own life, and the lives of others.

The first Emmaus community opened in 1992 and there are now 25 communities spread across the UK. There are also seven Emmaus groups currently working to open new communities.
Emmaus now supports around 623 formerly homeless people, by providing them with a home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in our social enterprises. There are plans to increase this to 750 places by 2017.

By fundraising for Emmaus you’re joining an amazing community of people who are doing extraordinary things to improve the lives of men and women around the UK.
Each year, hundreds of homeless people are turned away from communities or added to our waiting lists because we simply do not have enough rooms available. Our aim is to increase the number of companion places to 750 by 2017.

We can’t do this alone. There are many ways in which you can play a part in helping us to open new communities and grow existing ones. Helping us to raise the money we need is one vital way you could contribute.

We’re extremely grateful to the individuals, families, groups and businesses who give their time or money to Emmaus, helping us to open new communities.