Just in time for Christmas, brand new, double-glazed windows have been installed at our homelessness charity’s accommodation.
This upgrade aims to improve energy efficiency and comfort for our companions – the people supported by our charity.
Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, work and individual support for as long as they need it.
We’ve also received new insulation in our loft. We raised half the money for the work and then this was kindly matched by charity partners Cadent through the Emmaus UK Environment Fund. Gas distribution firm Cadent is supporting Emmaus charities across the UK, focussing their assistance on energy efficiency, fairer opportunities and greener societies.
Julie was experiencing homelessness before being supported by Emmaus; she moved into our Emmaus accommodation earlier this year and is delighted with her new windows.
Julie commented: “I can now see clearly through my bedroom window and enjoy the views. 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.”
A total of 12 windows and two doors have been replaced. Many of the old windows, installed when the charity started in the 1990s, had fallen into disrepair which affected their clarity and energy performance.
We are fortunate to have a fantastic building as a base for our charity but due to its age, we always need to budget and carry out maintenance and improvement works. The old windows were past their best so we’re very pleased to have received this early Christmas gift. The new windows should see us through another 30 years.
We are extremely grateful to Cadent, Emmaus UK, our contractors and all of our shoppers and donors who have supported us in making this project happen. The new windows will improve room comfort and views for our companions but – along with our new loft insulation – should also save us money on our heating bills.