Our vision is for a world in which everyone has a home and a sense of belonging.
Cornwall is suffering acutely from the impact of the economic downturn, with more and more people living in poverty, struggling to make ends meet, and many finding themselves homeless. Since 2012, the number of people reported sleeping rough in Cornwall has doubled and the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic means that a significantly greater number of local people are now without a permanent home. Homelessness does not just mean rough sleeping; local foodbanks report a huge increase in people sofa surfing and sleeping in their cars.
An Emmaus community in Cornwall will offer a home and meaningful work for those who have experienced homelessness.
Becoming homeless has a devastating impact on someone’s self- esteem. This is not something that is always resolved just because they get a roof over their head. Emmaus offers something different. Those coming to live at an Emmaus community are provided with a home for as long as they need it, companionship from others and a sense of purpose, as everyone works together to support their community.
Our first social enterprise
In 2022, we opened our first social enterprise – Emmaus Community Trees – to help generate income to fund our Emmaus community. Our tree nursery is set on 3 acres of land at Trewoon, near St Austell where we are growing trees and plants local to Cornwall, which will then be sold to generate income. To find out more about our nursery or to get involved as a volunteer, visit here.
Our people
We are a group of dedicated volunteer trustees working to set up Cornwall’s first Emmaus community, providing people with a chance to work their way out of homelessness. We are committed to working with other agencies across the county to address common issues as part of a joined-up approach to meeting the needs of homeless people across Cornwall. We would welcome your help – if you would like to be involved, do get in touch via [email protected]
What are we trying to do?
We are working towards providing a residential community that offers both a home and work for our companions. Our companions will be formerly homeless people who give up all benefits (except housing benefit) and work as volunteers in our social enterprises; they will be paid a weekly allowance and have free board and accommodation.
The Emmaus model
Emmaus is a homelessness charity with a difference, providing more than just a bed for the night for people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
We provide a home for as long as someone needs it, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise. This works to help to restore feelings of self-esteem and give our companions, as residents are known, the opportunity to regain control of their lives.
Our patrons
Emmaus Cornwall is supporting by two patrons, Michael Galsworthy of Trewithen and James Bowen, former addict and bestselling author of A Street Cat Named Bob.