Looking back on the 15-year journey of Emmaus North East, I’m reminded of the resilience, determination, and incredible community spirit that has brought us to where we are today. What started as a vision to establish a safe haven for those facing homelessness in the North East has evolved into a vibrant and thriving community—though not without its fair share of hurdles along the way.
Our initial plan was to set up an Emmaus community in Gateshead. It seemed like the perfect location, and we were full of optimism. However, we quickly ran into opposition from local councillors. The resistance was so strong that it resulted in one of the largest public meetings Gateshead had ever seen. Despite our best efforts and a lot of investment, we ultimately had to abandon the first Gateshead site.
Undeterred, we looked into other locations with the help of the council. Yet again, we faced opposition from local residents, and after pouring considerable time and resources into these efforts, it became clear that Gateshead was not going to be the home of Emmaus North East.
At that point, I decided to seek help from the private sector, as the public route seemed to lead to repeated dead ends. It was through these efforts that we were offered a site in South Tyneside. Unfortunately, after taking our plans to the council, they decided to take the site for their own use, leaving us back at square one.
Determined not to give up, I continued my search and eventually found our current site. It was a former children’s home that had been unoccupied for around 14 years. The building had suffered from vandalism, but I saw its potential. It already had planning permission for 17 student bedsits, which gave us a foundation to build upon.
Raising the money to buy the site was our next challenge. I arranged a loan from Emmaus UK, but the process was far from straightforward. The planning permission was about to expire, and time was running out. Just days before it lapsed, I had to pull out all the stops to keep it alive. I remember calling the owner of the site late on a Friday night, explaining that we needed to get a bulldozer there the next morning to at least demolish a wall and keep the planning permission live. Thankfully he gave his permission and a trusted builder I’d worked with before came through so we managed to begin the project just in time in spite of not yet owning the site.
However, we still didn’t have all the funds needed to complete the project. With a mortgage covering the purchase and basic site preparations, I had to raise an additional £800,000—a daunting task that I tackled by writing countless funding applications. It was a nerve-wracking period, especially as we were constantly on the brink of collapse. I vividly recall the close call in December when I was waiting for a £300,000 grant from the Northern Rock Foundation. The trustees initially turned down our request, leaving me in a precarious position, but I kept silent and didn’t let it dampen the spirits of the other trustees at our Christmas lunch.
With the support of Northern Rock Foundation staff, I worked tirelessly to address the concerns that led to the rejection, and in January, we were finally awarded the grant. This was a turning point, allowing us to settle our debts and continue with the project. Of course, there were still setbacks, each adding to the overall cost, but we pressed on, even securing new planning permission while continuing our work.
When the building was finally completed, we were able to celebrate with an opening attended by the Northern Rock Foundation and Terry Waite. The event brought in much-needed publicity, donations, and support, which helped to sustain us as we moved forward.
Throughout the journey, we had some incredible moments. Before settling in South Tyneside, we had opened a shop in Gateshead to establish a presence in the community and raise visibility. It was strategically located on Durham Road, a key commuter route, and it provided us with significant exposure and support.
As we expanded, we also opened a shop in Hebburn, with Terry Waite returning to help mark the occasion. The support from foundations and local businesses, such as Muckles Solicitors and Gavin Black, was invaluable. These connections, along with the help of well-known figures like X-Factor’s Anton Stephans, brought further attention to our cause.
Over the years, the support from South Tyneside councillors, local people, and various organisations has been heartwarming. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many dedicated individuals who shared our vision and helped make it a reality. Even after stepping down as Chair, I continue to stay involved, offering guidance and support whenever I can.
Reflecting on these 15 years, I am filled with pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. From the initial struggles to the eventual success, Emmaus North East stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. It’s been a privilege to be part of this journey, and I look forward to seeing how Emmaus North East continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.
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