I became homeless when I was living with my girlfriend and we split up – I had nowhere to go.
I moved into a hostel, which was a complete nightmare with people on drugs every night. There were rats running around the halls too. I just thought I’m not living like this anymore, and I found out about Emmaus.
The first thing that struck me about Emmaus Preston when I walked through the door was how friendly everyone was. I wasn’t used to it because of where I had been living before. The Emmaus community building was perfect and the bedroom was amazing.
Emmaus has given me something to aim for in life.
Now I’m doing NVQ courses in cooking, a fire warden course and a duty of care course. When I get these, I will be a full professional. It’s given me a boost and changed things for me. I have more confidence in getting a job and in life now.
Eventually I want to get my own place again, settle down, have a family, get a job and all that stuff.
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For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing their self-esteem can be the most damaging part of their experience. Being on your own, with no support around you can be soul destroying, leaving you feeling worthless.
Finding your way out of that situation isn’t easy, particularly when the only options available are temporary fixes, offering a bed for the night but little to occupy your days.
Emmaus is different. Across the UK, Emmaus communities provide a home for as long as it is needed. There are 29 communities across the UK supporting more than 815 people, known within Emmaus as companions, by providing a home for as long as needed and meaningful work in a social enterprise. There are also five Emmaus groups currently working to open new communities.
We give stability and the opportunity to properly deal with the reasons that people become homeless. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to gain new skills helps our companions to regain any lost self-esteem and confidence so they can get back on their feet. Find out more.
You only have to read the stories of some of the people we have supported to see what a difference Emmaus can make.
Has John’s story inspired you? With your support, we can help more people to find a home away from homelessness – make a donation today.
