We have a new roof thanks to support from the construction industry’s charity for homelessness organisations and hospices, CRASH, and other funders, as well as a lot of hard work from our Chief Executive Officer Tony Stephenson and fundraiser Reggie Lawson Timms.
Our CEO Tony first approached CRASH for help with the pitched roof to the main charity shop, but after corporate patrons of the charity inspected missing and slumped slates, worn pieces and crumbling felt, we were told seven roofs needed replacing to neighbouring buildings as well.
Emmaus Bolton is situated in a former the territorial army’s Derby Barracks, which was built in the 1930s, and the roofs have largely remained untouched since then!
Damage to the roof was affecting our home for up to 22 people with experience of homelessness, which comprises of private rooms, a dining room, three kitchens, four laundries, two TV rooms, meeting and training rooms, charity shop spaces, workshops, a public café, a garden centre, warehousing and a food pantry.
It was also causing problems at our charity’s shops, where we provide low-cost household goods, DVDs, bric-a-brac and clothing.
Tony said: “Last year we found out that our community house had several significant issues with its roof. We contacted CRASH to see if they could help and they were amazing. Firstly, organising a full survey and report, then putting us in touch with an approved roofing contractor, Crescent Roofing from Corporate Patron Bauder to specify, quote and carry out the repairs. CRASH even assisted with a grant towards the cost of the project. Without the help from CRASH, we would have been contemplating another winter of leaks and the daunting task of managing and funding the project.”
Vipesh Mistry, Projects Manager at CRASH, said: “This project is more than fixing a leaking roof; it shows the companions at Emmaus and the wider community that we care, and that they are valued. Companions have already come to Emmaus to seek shelter and a home, and they deserve to be in a water-tight building and bedrooms.”
Emmaus Bolton would like to thank Arcadis, Bauder, MiTek and Crescent Roofing for supporting the project with their expertise and construction products as well as CRASH and MiTek for the grants that helped with the project.