For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing self-esteem can be the most damaging part of the experience. Being on your own, with no support around you can be soul destroying, leaving you feeling worthless.
Finding your way out of that situation isn’t easy, particularly when the only options available are temporary fixes, offering a bed for the night but little to occupy your days.
Emmaus is different because it provides a home for as long as someone needs it in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, and often re-establish relationships with loved ones.
“Companion” is how people are affectionately referred to, who live in an Emmaus community and carry out roles in the social enterprise, where people support themselves and one another.
Emmaus social enterprises generate revenue that pays for companions’ home, food and essentials, as well as providing a small weekly allowance. This is key to restoring feelings of self-worth, showing these individuals that their actions make a real difference, both to their own life, and the lives of others.
How it works
There are more than 30 Emmaus communities and groups across the UK, providing a home, support and meaningful work opportunities. The emerging groups are working hard to establish Emmaus communities in their areas. From 2022-2023, Emmaus supported 1,068 people with experience of homelessness, known as companions, and residential beneficiaries in the UK.
Solidarity
Solidarity, helping others less fortunate than yourself, is central to the Emmaus way of life. Everyone at Emmaus, including companions, staff, trustees and volunteers is encouraged to carry out acts of solidarity to support people who need it most.
For companions in particular, this has a huge impact on confidence and self-worth, showing people that they can make a difference to someone else’s life and add value to the lives of people around them.
Emmaus in the world
Emmaus isn’t just in the UK, in fact it originally started in France in the 1949. Since then Emmaus has grown into an international movement with more than 400 groups based in 40 countries across the world.