Andy came to Emmaus after experiencing alcoholism and street homelessness. During his two years in the community, he rebuilt his confidence, developed new skills, and rediscovered his sense of self. Now Andy is looking to move on from Emmaus and help people facing similar issues he once faced. Read his story in his own words below.
I’ve been at Emmaus for just under two years. I was on the streets for about three weeks after becoming homeless. I was getting help from a charity, Beacon House, and they put me in touch with Emmaus. I had a chat with Matt, who is now my support worker, and I moved in that day. It was amazing.
I was over the moon to have a safe place to live; I was so happy. I had a roof over my head, a meal every evening, and somewhere warm and secure. It was very strange at first, but I started to get to know other companions and settle in.
I was made homeless because my dad went into care. I was living with him at the time and had nowhere else to go. I was 48 when that happened. Being street homeless was really horrible. I would sometimes sleep at the hospital where I knew I was safe, but then I would get kicked out by security. I managed to get a tent, and I slept in the woods, which I thought would be safer and I was less likely to be attacked, but the sounds at night and the weather was so scary. I was lonely – it was awful. You could never have any plans because I would never know where I was going or where I’d get my next meal. It was terrifying – the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through in my life.
Recovery from alcoholism
I have battled with alcoholism for over 30 years. I was using drink when I was homeless, but I managed to get off it to be able to come to Emmaus. However, a few days into being at the community, I had a drink. I woke up, and I thought, do I want a roof over my head, or do I want to keep drinking and be on the streets*. So, I chose Emmaus.
My support workers here, Matt and Zaneta, suggested I go to a recovery service, Phoenix Futures, to get some support. I worked with their practitioners for about eight months, and then Emmaus found me a place in a Community Rehabilitation Centre. I did an eight-and-a-half-week rehab. I would get picked up in the morning at Emmaus, go to the rehab and then come back to the community each night. That was seven days a week for eight weeks.
I’ve tried for many years to stop drinking and obviously I had to do the hard work, but Emmaus gave me the opportunity and the chance to change my life. I’m in such a different place from when I first walked into Emmaus – it’s amazing. I graduated rehab in December 2024 and a few staff members came along to celebrate with me.
I think there should be more community rehabilitation for people with substance abuse issues. It’s hard to find a place at rehabs, but everyone deserves the support I was given. Rehab changed my life.
Gaining new skills and qualifications
While I’ve been at the community, the staff have always supported me to achieve anything I’ve wanted; they’ve set me up with training courses and Emmaus gave me a laptop to help me study. Thanks to the team, I am now a qualified Level 2 Councillor! The staff were over the moon when I told them.
Now, I really want to support people; I’d like to help other people out of homelessness, or I’d like to be a drug and alcohol support worker. I can really understand what people are dealing with and going through. I’m going to start my Level 3 Counselling course soon.
When other companions ask me how I’ve achieved so much here, I just say you’ve got to put the effort in, I’m not special, if you really want it – get your head down and do it. I drank for over 30 years, I’ve lost houses, relationships, children, cars – you name it. If I hadn’t come to Emmaus, and I didn’t find a safe environment like this, I can confidently say I would be dead by now. But since I’ve come to Emmaus, I have slowly and gradually changed so much as a person. If I can do this, anyone can.
Emmaus is not just about helping someone who is homeless, it’s about helping people learn new skills. From budgeting, cooking, work qualifications or GCSEs – Emmaus can help you. They support you, so eventually when you do get your own place, you’re not just out the door without a clue – you’ve been given so many skills. Emmaus is a roof, and it keeps you safe and secure and warm but it’s about what happens under the roof and in the community, which is important.
Now, I’m looking at moving on from Emmaus and into my own accommodation. The support team have been helping me and I have a housing officer now so I can start looking for accommodation. I am looking forward to it. Also, I have got so much out of being here, I want someone else who is in the position I was in a few years ago, to come to Emmaus and get the support they need to rebuild their life. I don’t need that help now, I’m ready to move on. There is someone else out there who needs this help and this bed.
Emmaus is home, but it’s also a community. You’re surrounded by people who have experienced the same things as you. You’re all here for the same reason, and that is that something has gone slightly wrong in life, and you’ve ended up where you are.
I’ve been sober for one year and seven months, and I feel incredible. I don’t really count my sober days anymore; I just live my life. I got to a point where I knew that my drinking would kill me, and here I am now. It’s just amazing.
If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness or at risk of it – get help from Emmaus here.
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*Emmaus Communities are drug and alcohol free