Emmaus Oxford welcomed Oxford East MP, and Chair of the Labour Party, Anneliese Dodds to find out how the charity helps people to get back on their feet after experiencing homelessness.
The MP met with companions and staff at Emmaus Oxford for a tour of its residential community building and second-hand store.
Emmaus UK’s Chief Executive Charlotte Talbott was also in attendance, alongside Andrew Morgan Giles, Chair of Trustees at Emmaus Oxford; Catherine Deakin, who is shadowing Ms Dodds through the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme; and Oxford City Councillor Lizzy Diggins.
During the tour, Ms Dodds visited Emmaus Oxford’s recently purchased four-bedroom property on Oxford Road, which the charity plans to use as move-on accommodation for when companions secure employment and are ready for more independence.
“It was a good feeling having my voice heard by a local MP.”
Companion Shelly met the MP and shared how Emmaus has helped her: “It was very nice speaking to Ms Dodds and having the opportunity to explain how I ended up sofa-surfing before finding Emmaus.
“I told her all about moving into my own place later this year and, during the tour, I showed her the decorating I had done in our computer room. It was a good feeling having my voice heard by a local MP.”
Commenting on the visit to Emmaus Oxford, Anneliese Dodds MP, said: “Thank you to Emmaus Oxford for inviting me along, and to Shelly for the tour of the centre.
“It was very interesting to learn about the history of Emmaus, as well as hearing about the support they are providing to those rough sleeping or without a secure place to stay in Oxford, including from those who are looking to move on into permanent accommodation.”
Find out more about the support Emmaus communities offer.