Emmaus North East has received £41,000 from Nationwide Building Society’s Community Grants programme.
The money will be used to support two key staff members and to further develop its social enterprises enabling the continued support of the 15 formerly homeless people that live at Emmaus North East.
Antony Kingdon, Branch Manager of Nationwide Building Society in Sunderland said: “In 2007 our members voted for us to donate at least one percent of our pre-tax profits to good causes, with a focus on issues around housing. The Community Grants programme is one of the ways we’re trying to make a long-lasting difference, helping people living without the guarantee or stability of suitable, secure or affordable accommodation.
“Emmaus North East’s grant application showed clear evidence that its project aligned with Nationwide’s ambition for everyone to have a place fit to call home. It also demonstrated the impact the charity’s project will have on the local community. The Community Board was unanimously impressed at the way Emmaus demonstrated sustainability beyond the life of the grant, by building the skills of staff and volunteers, diversifying funding streams and providing long-term solutions for the people they are helping.”
John Harrison, Community Manager of Emmaus North East said, “We are really grateful to Nationwide for this donation. The funding will ensure that we can continue to support people that have previously been homeless by assisting them to move into full-time work and independent living.”