I first came into Emmaus as a volunteer in the garden. I was a volunteer for two years and was homeless at the time but didn’t tell anybody.
I knew one of the Emmaus volunteers through the church I attended, and she asked me if I wanted to join her as a garden volunteer. I’d come sometimes two or three days a week, helping with the seeds right up to plants. Some of the produce would go to the kitchen and some plants went over to the shop. As a volunteer, I enjoyed learning stuff and mixing with companions and other volunteers.
A few years earlier, I had lost my brother and it became too much for me. I was sofa surfing for five years and then another eight years after my brother passed away. After a while, other volunteers realised I didn’t have a home and encouraged me to join the Emmaus community.
When I moved into Emmaus it was lovely. There was no trouble at all and it was homely. The staff were lovely and they all had a smile on their face. It was good to get things going again but it was strange at first because I was used to staying out. I let myself go after I lost my brother, so it took time to adjust to a new routine.
Building my confidence back up
When I moved into the community, each day I’d go and help at the Superstore. I started cleaning cabinets where the glasses were displayed. I helped in the back with the donations coming in and sorting them all. I also did the workshop, restoring pieces of furniture, and helped in the garden too.
The first thing I did in the workshop was an old writing bureau with layers of paint and paper. I sanded it all down and, with my teacher, he showed me what to do with the curves and then I waxed it all to bring back the colour. When it went to sell, I thought it’d be about £50 or £100 and when it went for £200, I was shocked. I restored and painted a garden bench with roses on and people were queuing outside before 9am to buy it. To see how people appreciated the items I’d worked on, it astonished me and I started believing in myself.
If you have items in good condition, instead of taking them to the tip, donate them to us. It’ll help to raise money for our charity and reduce waste. Anyone can come and get items cheaper than what you get in many other shops. You can look and feel the items, which you can’t do if you’re shopping online.
Making a difference in the community
Being at Emmaus has helped me to learn different things. One year I made Christmas wreaths to sell in our shop and they did really well. Doing stuff and getting positive comments is good to hear. I worked in the garden and the green next to our community and local residents were commenting that they’d never seen it as good in 20 years. I also helped to restore an NHS mural in the flower beds on the green. Doing the gardens keeps me fit and I like being active outside.
I’d like to thank the person who brought me to Emmaus – I was very grateful. The Emmaus staff don’t always get appreciated for everything they do but I’d like to thank and acknowledge them too.
*Name changed to protect the person’s privacy.