A home for as long as is needed
Each person living at Emmaus Greenwich has an individual bedroom with all meals provided in a communal dining room and normal living expenses are covered. There is no time limit someone can stay and this stability helps people to begin to rebuild their lives following homelessness.
Each person receives a weekly charitable allowance to pay for any extras and accumulates a ‘leaving fund’ during their time in the community to help pay for deposits and moving costs when they feel ready to leave Emmaus.
Most people stay at Emmaus Greenwich for a few months, some leave after a short time and others stay for several months or years.
Work experience
At Emmaus Greenwich, we know that it takes more than just a roof over someone’s head to move on from homelessness. That’s why, unlike hostels, residents – Emmaus companions – are asked to contribute up to 40 hours per a week in our social enterprise, with two days off, a long weekend after three months, and a week’s holiday after six months. Once in the community for over six months, companions receive 20 days holiday along with public holidays.
Once accepted at Emmaus Greenwich, a person has to sign off all benefits with the exception of housing benefit, which is claimed by Emmaus to support the community.
Training
Appropriate free training is provided in health and safety, manual handling, basic food hygiene and other subjects as relevant.
E-learning is available and face-to-face training through Emmaus. Opportunities are provided to access other courses. Companions can also take on positions of responsibility within the community such as team leaders, duty team members and community assistants who help the Community Manager.
Some people also choose to gain experience in the PAT testing room to test donations of electrical items or restore donated furniture in the workshop.
Personal development
At Emmaus Greenwich not only do we provide a home for as long as someone needs and work experience in our shops, but we strive to support men and woman who have experienced homelessness in all areas of their life. To do this, we plan regular development days and invite inspirational and motivational speakers to our community.
Past speakers include the youngest British woman to climb Everest (2010 -2012) Bonita Norris, Magic Lantern Art and Arsenal and England football legend, Tony Adams MBE.