What we do
Emmaus Communities
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 and rebuild their self-respect.
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 more than 40 countries, with 14 Communities in the UK. Each Community aims to become self-supporting, with any surplus donated to others in need.
Read more about life in an Emmaus Community.
Setting up new Communities
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. Read more about Emmaus Groups.
Emmaus UK Federation
Emmaus Communities and Groups in the UK are supported by the Emmaus UK Federation Office. Based in Cambridge, Federation Office staff provide co-ordination, help and advice on issues such as publicity, fundraising and human resources. More about the Federation Office.
Read more about the structure and finances of Emmaus in the UK.
Download the latest Emmaus Annual Review.
