A world in which everyone has a home and a sense of belonging.
The Emmaus Cornwall group was set up in 2011, and there are big plans to set up the first Emmaus community in the area.
Like many parts of the UK, Cornwall is suffering the impact of the economic downturn, with more and more people living in poverty, struggling to make ends meet, and many finding themselves homeless. Between 2012 and 2019, the number of people reported sleeping rough in Cornwall doubled and whilst some recent progress has been made, there is still a significant need for move-on accommodation and long-term support. The most recent government statistics show that there was a 53% increase in rough sleeping in 2022 compared to the previous year, showing that additional provision for people facing homelessness is more important than ever.
An Emmaus community in Cornwall will offer a home and meaningful work for those who have experienced homelessness.
Becoming homeless can have 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.
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.
We are developing social enterprises that will allow us to be financially self-sufficient and to provide companions with a route to re-enter the workplace as part of their rehabilitation. Our very first social enterprise has recently launched – The Emmaus Cornwall Community Tree Nursery. Our community will provide a home in a supportive environment that will enable companions to move on from homelessness. We will be concerned with the provision of education and training for companions with the purpose of developing skills to enable them to live independently and gain employment or remain in the community. Each person will have their own room, but meals will be eaten together, housework will be shared, and social activities encouraged and supported.
A group of committed volunteers and our recently appointed Tree Nursery Manager are working tirelessly 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 (charities, Cornwall Council, housing associations etc) across the county to address common issues as part of a joined-up approach to meeting the needs of homeless people across Cornwall.
To support Emmaus Cornwall through a monetary donation, visit here.
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.