Over the last few weeks, we’ve been transforming the lives and living spaces for our companions with the help of our members and a local window company.
Emmaus Bolton supports up to 22 formerly homeless people off Fletcher Street in the town by providing a home, meaningful work and training to help build back confidence and self-esteem.
At the start of the year, work began on a makeover for the community home, where the people supported by Emmaus live. Windowplas fitted 22 double glazed windows to companion bedrooms, the dining room, TV room and other areas of the house. These were the last of 144 windows to have been replaced since the barracks was built 90 years ago.
A community effort
Alongside new windows, members of the charity rallied around to renovate rooms and bathrooms, paint and put down new flooring, with all work completed as self-sufficiently as possible.
Director of Windowplas, Ken Roberts, said: “When you come to Emmaus Bolton, it’s different. You see exactly where your donations are going. It gives the people here you meet, a roof over their heads, work experience and training. We were delighted be able to help by fitting double glazing that will keep residents warm, keep noise to a minimum and make energy savings.”
Emmaus Bolton is part of a federation made up of 30 Emmaus charities in the UK, helping more than 850 formerly homeless people. Funding for the new windows came from Evri and the Barratt Foundation through Emmaus UK’s Environment Fund, launched in partnership with corporate supporters to reduce the federation’s environmental impact and support energy saving initiatives.
Emmaus Bolton’s accommodation and charity shops were created on the site of a former army barracks in 2005. The new windows not only give the charity’s building and bedrooms a new look, but will help reduce sound and improve energy efficiency too.
Thanks to Evri, Barratt Foundation and Windowplas
Tony Stephenson, Director of Emmaus Bolton, said: “We’re continually looking for ways to improve our support for people joining us who have experience of homelessness. This refurbishment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment.
“The refurbishment will make energy savings for our community and lower bills thanks to the double glazing. We are grateful to Evri, the Barrett Foundation, Windowplas and everyone who has supported us in making this happen.”
People living at Emmaus gain supported work experience in the charity’s shops and services. These include a recycling centre for donated goods, second hand stores, a café, garden centre, hobby and craft store, furniture-making workshop and upcycling service.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness or is at risk, please visit Join Our Community for information about how to apply for support from Emmaus Bolton.