Emmaus Salford has stepped in to offer beds to homeless people whilst neighbouring night shelter Narrowgate is closed for a week.
Five people who are street homeless were given a bed for the night and meals at Emmaus Salford whilst neighbouring Narrowgate was closed for staff training. Emmaus Salford is a homelessness charity where formerly homeless people (known as companions) live and work alongside each other.
Daniel is one of two homeless people who will be joining the Emmaus Salford community on a permanent basis after spending a week sleeping at the charity.
Daniel, companion at Emmaus Salford, said: “After experiencing being part of Emmaus Salford for the week, seeing how it works, how everyone feels their contribution is important I wanted to stay on and be a part of the community to help it grow and thrive.”
Emmaus Salford currently supports 20 formerly homeless people, known as companions, by providing them with a stable home, meaningful work and support for as long as they need it. The charity operates two social enterprises on Fitzwarren Street and Seaford Road in Salford, selling great quality donated and upcycled furniture, household goods and vintage wares.
Simon Locke, Community Leader at Emmaus Salford, said: “Emmaus Salford is not a night shelter and offering people a bed for the night is not what we’re about. In this case however, we felt it important to offer street homeless people a place to stay whilst our local night shelter was closed.
“Barnabus in Manchester and Loaves & Fishes in Salford also stepped up to the challenge to find people refuge from the recent cold and wet nights we have experienced. Emmaus Salford offered the five people beds for the night, with two people sharing a room, and an opportunity to see what our community was all about.”
To support Emmaus Salford, head www.emmaus.org.uk/salford. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 0161 737 8279 or visit one of the shops.