Emmaus communities operate a referral system and time needs to be allowed to process an application to join.
If you are sleeping rough or concerned about someone you have seen sleeping rough in England or Wales, you can use the following website to send an alert to StreetLink which may be able to offer emergency support. You can also get help and advice from the local council if you’re homeless or about to lose your home. Find your local council here.
About Emmaus
We support people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion by offering a home and meaningful work. Unlike a hostel, we are a community of people who live and work together, supporting ourselves and one another through our social enterprise. Emmaus is not a religious organisation and we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds.
There is no limit to how long you can stay at an Emmaus community, as long as you agree to take part in community life and follow a few simple rules.
What is it like to live in an Emmaus community?
If you want to live in an Emmaus community, in most cases we will ask that you sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit (we do also accept people with no recourse to public funds), agree to work in the charity’s social enterprise to the best of your ability, and engage in training to support your personal and professional development. This aims to help you to brush up the skills you might not have used for a while, gain new skills and experience and move forward with your life in a positive way.
.
What can I expect?
In an Emmaus community everyone has their own room, with communal areas for eating and socialising. During the day, companions, as our residents are known, work in our social enterprises, which are mainly charity shops. The work could include working in the shop, sorting items in the warehouse, going out to make deliveries in our vans, or working in the community home.
Emmaus will provide:
- A home for as long as you need it
- Clothing, food and a small weekly allowance
- Support to overcome any problems you may be experiencing
- Work experience, training and support to help you to realise your aspirations and potential
You will be expected to:
- Be willing to sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit
- Work in the charity’s social enterprise to the best of your ability and engage in training to support your personal and professional development
- Engage with the support on offer
- Take part in community life and support the Emmaus ethos
Please answer all of the questions on this form honestly as this will enable us to make a fair assessment of your application.
To learn more about Emmaus and what we have to offer go to www.emmaus.org.uk