People helped by Emmaus have urged supporters to donate to the Emmaus Christmas Appeal and change the lives of even more people with experience of homelessness.
In an appeal message to supporters, Emmaus companions Leigh and Filipe share their stories and experiences of homelessness during the festive season.
They both highlight how the loneliness and isolation of being homeless can feel worse at Christmas, but also how Emmaus has empowered them to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their relatives, in addition gaining a new family within their Emmaus communities.
Leigh, a companion at Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, said:
“Spending a few Christmases on my own was difficult, because Christmas is generally for families isn’t it? But now I’m in Emmaus, I’ve got people to spend it with.
“I’ll see my family at Christmas, but the companions and the staff at Emmaus are now part of my family too. They’re my extended family.
“Your donations have had a real impact on me and others who have experienced homelessness.”
Over 350,000 people in the UK will spend Christmas Day without a place to call home, many of them also facing loneliness and social exclusion.
That is where the 29 Emmaus communities across the country are here to help, offering a safe home and a fresh start to people with experience of homelessness.
Filipe, a companion at Emmaus Gloucestershire, said:
“Life on the streets is a dark and lonely place, especially around Christmas. I didn’t have any friends. I had five Christmases on the streets, struggling with depression, anxiety and addiction.
“But since I moved to Emmaus, it’s like I’ve found my family. We decorate the house and we all cook together. We all share Christmas, like a family.
“I also have my sister here in England; I’m planning to see her this Christmas and hopefully my mum will come over from Portugal, too.
“Your support made all this possible. This Christmas, I’m asking for your help to give others the chance I had.”