Work for Phase Two of our Building a Better Future project started in April 2023, and we are very excited to bring our vision to life in the coming months.
For more than 25 years, Emmaus Dover has been providing a home, support and meaningful work opportunities for up to 27 men and women that have previously experienced homelessness, social exclusion, poverty and a lack of opportunities.
Our community is based at the historic and unique Archcliffe Fort, a military fort which dates back to Henry VIII. Emmaus Dover was granted a 99-year lease of the site in 1994 and, after substantial refurbishment of the buildings, the first Emmaus Companions moved in the following year. The Fort has continued to develop and expand over the years. Today, it offers a home for formerly homeless people in Dover as well as hosting our large second hand goods shop, where the Companions are able to gain valuable work experience while staying with us.
We are now refurbishing the site under Phase Two of our Building a Better Future project. This is the biggest phase of the project, in which we will undertake large internal and external structural repairs to the old warehouse building before refurbishing the inside to create a large modern space that, when finished, will double the size of our retail space at the Fort.
The internal refurbishment work will create a warm, light, comfortable and modern working environment for our Companions and a welcoming space for customers and visitors. Internal works will also include a dedicated loading bay for moving stock from the warehouse to the shop, accessible customer toilets, a small café area with kitchen and seating area that will serve hot and cold refreshments and staff offices. Outside, our car park will be completely refurbished to create 16 additional parking spaces and non-hazardous, safe and accessible parking and walkways for customers. There will also be dedicated seating areas for Companions and customers to enjoy our unique panoramic views of Dover.
Work for this phase started in April 2023, and we are very excited to bring our vision to life in the coming months. However, we are in continued need of support to finish the work and secure the long-term future of the charity for many years to come. With your support, we can continue to change the lives of formerly homeless people in Dover. The income from our shop keep our charity going so we can continue to support people out of homelessness by providing them with a safe and secure home for as long as they need, as well as tailored support and meaningful work experience.
If you would like to help us, simply click on the link below to donate, or come and find a bargain at our temporary shop at Units 1-2 Channel View Road, Dover CT17 9TW