Emmaus supports people to work their way out of homelessness.
Emmaus provides a home and meaningful work for as long as someone needs it.
You can make a difference, by donating, getting involved or visiting one of our shops.
So many people have a great story to tell about how Emmaus has touched their lives. Whether they’re companions, staff, trustees or volunteers, these stories show the impact Emmaus can have.
"I do miss working in the workshop a lot – I loved every second of it and I’ve still got all the photos of different projects, so I can always look back at those. It was a lovely community, everybody helped everybody else."
“There’s a great saying that you should never judge anyone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. The St Albans Sleepout is a chance to very briefly experience what it must be like to have nowhere to sleep.”
“I’ll miss everyone here. The support has been brilliant and the companions have been really friendly and welcoming. People are always there for you if you need them. I’ll definitely stay in touch with everyone.”
"I’m currently working with one or two companions and you can see the benefits that being outside has on them – it has a calming influence and is so good for their mental wellbeing. They absolutely love it."
"I like meeting new people and hearing about their different roles at Emmaus. The Companions take such pride in their social enterprise work and have such varied backgrounds that it has opened my eyes to a very different world."
"Coming to Emmaus Hertfordshire I’ve learnt new skills, regained skills I lost and my life now has structure and a reason to get up in the morning."
“Emmaus Hertfordshire encouraged me to apply for my current job and helped me with the application, so they’ve been really supportive. I’ll miss some of the people here and plan to visit every now and then.”
"Emmaus is the golden ticket, where you can work and live. It gives you an opportunity and it’s done so differently."
I really appreciate places like Emmaus and what they have done for me, so I want to give a little bit back. They’ve given me enough.
"I believe that the Emmaus model provides the best chance of success for companions to successfully re-connect with others and move on."
"Emmaus Hertfordshire has helped me a lot. I have got my self-esteem back. I’ve settled down very well, I’ve learned a lot and I have some great friends around me."
"I’ve got used to being here at Emmaus, and it is giving me the space to get my head straight"
When COVID-19 arrived, and the work dried up, I lost the place I was living. As I wasn’t earning any money, I couldn’t find anywhere else to live.
I now feel really hopeful for the future, I feel much better about myself and I love my job.
"With the help of Emmaus, I have started a carpentry course at the local college and have settled into the community."
"I am delighted to be involved with Emmaus Hertfordshire after discovering the all-encompassing nature of its work to help people overcome homelessness."
"Emmaus supports people in all areas if it’s needed and the opportunities for moving on are very good."
"I think for most of my life I was in survival mode, but now I’m thriving, and I really can’t believe who I am today."
"Emmaus Hertfordshire helped me in each step of my life as an asylum seeker and continued to help me after I was granted asylum."
"Emmaus gives someone a bed and a reason to get out of it in the morning."
"I feel as though I’m finding myself again at Emmaus."
"I am looking forward to taking Emmaus Hertfordshire to the next level in the future."
"Before Emmaus, life was a constant struggle."
"The most positive thing about working at Emmaus is that I get to see first-hand where my hard work is going."
"Emmaus instantly felt like home."
