Like any flourishing community, Emmaus is most successful when everyone makes a contribution. For us, that means working together in the social enterprise to generate funds needed to support the community and the companions that call it home.
Companions are expected to work 40 hours per week or as much as they are able in the charity’s social enterprise. They are required to sign off all benefits except for housing benefit, which is claimed to help support the community. The ultimate goal is for each Emmaus community to become self-sufficient with the revenue it generates through its businesses.
The Emmaus model has a huge impact on restoring confidence and self-respect, as companions take responsibility for keeping their community going and work hard to support themselves and others.
Emmaus is not about giving hand-outs, it’s about providing people with the tools to help themselves. This approach has been proven to produce long-term, sustainable results. For the many people who have been stuck in a cycle of homelessness, Emmaus provides the space and support they need to take stock of their lives and make positive changes for the future.
Emmaus helps people in many different ways – which is summed up perfectly in this film by our friends at Emmaus Cambridge:
We support people to work their way out of homelessness, providing meaningful work as well as a stable home for as long as someone needs it.
Research shows that for every £1 invested in an Emmaus community, there is an £11 social, environmental and economic return, with savings to the benefits bill, health services and a reduction in crime.