Emmaus Dover is one of more than 400 Emmaus communities throughout the world. Emmaus provides a home, work opportunities and a future for men and women who have experienced homelessness.
History:
We have been in Archcliffe Fort since 1995. The buildings were in various states of dilapidation then so we were only partly operational in the early years. After spending around £500,000, we have been fully operational on the site since July 1998.
Having identified maintenance needs for our historic buildings in 2019, over £1 million was raised for a “Building a Better Future” project, to renovate and improve our facilities. In 2023, work completed on a new workshop, refurbished warehouse, and a modern retail space which is welcoming and energy efficient. There is a new cafe area and toilets for visitors and a garden centre next to a brand new car park. Our refurbishment was officially opened by the President of Emmaus UK, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE.
How we operate:
Emmaus Dover is a social enterprise. We collect, repair, renovate and resell donated goods of all sorts, with particular emphasis on furniture and electrical white goods.
Some new goods are made in the community workshop, using recycled materials wherever possible. We also do some gardening work and people supported by Emmaus grow plants to sell in our shop and tend to a small kitchen garden, where we grow fruit, vegetables and herbs. The aim is that the community will be financially self-sustaining. We currently provide accommodation and support for 27 formerly homeless people at our site at Archcliffe Fort.
Watch a glimpse into Emmaus Dover’s past:
With thanks to Close Up Research and Kent Community Energy
Our history
In 1994 Francis Watts was helping his wife, Anne, at the soup kitchen in Dover.
A conversation developed between Francis and a gentleman about what he thought was needed in Dover. The reply came, ‘We all have our hideaways, but we are bored to tears during the day’. The idea of creating an Emmaus community in Dover was born.
About Emmaus
Emmaus is a homelessness charity providing more than just a bed for the night to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.