People living at Emmaus communities are feeling the benefit of improved living spaces thanks to corporate partners and the Emmaus UK environment fund.
Emmaus’s Environment Fund helps communities to reduce their carbon footprint and keep companions warm and comfortable, by lowering energy costs as much as possible, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. Launched in Autumn 2022, projects funded so far include new insulation, solar panels and new windows.
Emmaus UK corporate partners have awarded grants of £125,000 to the environment fund to help pay for these and other projects.
Safe, cosy homes for companions
Earlier this year, Emmaus Mossley installed triple-glazed windows in all 26 bedrooms and communal rooms at its community home. Many of the old, double-glazed windows had fallen into disrepair which affected their clarity and energy performance.
Darren, a companion at Emmaus Mossley, said: “I can now see clearly through my window and enjoy the views across the valley. It seems a lot quieter with the new windows, and I can close mine properly now, so hopefully my room will be a lot warmer in winter.”
Emmaus Bolton also benefited from new windows in companion bedrooms, the dining room, TV room and other areas of the house. 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.”
In August 2023, Emmaus Merseyside fitted solar panels (pictured above) to its reduce environmental impact and help generate electricity for the community building, which is home to 28 formerly homeless people.
Mikey, an Emmaus Merseyside companion said: “Everybody is aware of rising energy costs all over the world, and for a large building like ours, it’s impacted us a lot. We’ve all tried to be more savvy with saving electricity and having solar panels will mean we can save more money.”
Projects like these and others across the federation help provide safe, warm and comfortable homes for people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. They also help to reduce costs, minimise environmental impact, and provide lasting benefits for future companions.
Business partners help fund energy-saving upgrades
Tilia Homes has raised over £100,000 to help our work and are paying for new energy-efficient, double-glazed windows at Emmaus Brighton.
The Cadent Foundation is the charitable arm of Cadent, one of the largest gas distribution networks in the UK. In 2022 they began a two-year charitable partnership with Emmaus UK which is proving invaluable to Emmaus communities. Their support helped fund the replacement windows at Emmaus Mossley and the solar panels at Emmaus Merseyside.
Charlotte Talbott, Emmaus UK CEO says: “We’re so grateful to all our corporate partners who are raising funds towards our work and providing the practical assistance we need to cut the cost of running our communities. Their support is making an immediate difference and will continue to do so for years to come.”
Do you own or know of a business that would like to work with Emmaus to end homelessness? If so, please call us on 0300 303 7555 or email [email protected].