Emmaus is a homelessness charity providing more than just a bed for the night to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
We provide a home, training, education, and meaningful work in our Community and social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to work helps our companions, as residents are known, to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence to get back on their feet.
How it works
There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the UK, providing a home and meaningful work to more than 750 formerly homeless people. In addition to this, there are emerging groups, working hard to establish new communities.
Like any flourishing community, Emmaus is most successful when everyone contributes. For us, that means working together in the social enterprise, to generate funds needed to support the community and the companions that call it home.
In return, companions are expected to work within the charity’s social enterprise. After a trial period, Companions are required to sign off from DWP benefits. The ultimate goal is for each community to become self-sufficient, supporting itself with the revenue it generates through its businesses.
The Emmaus model has a huge impact on restoring confidence and self-respect, as companions take responsibility for keeping their community going and work hard to support themselves and others.
Emmaus is not about giving hand-outs, it’s about providing people with the tools to help themselves. This approach has been proven to produce long-term, sustainable results. For the many people who have been stuck in a cycle of homelessness, Emmaus provides the space and support they need to take stock of their lives and make positive changes for the future.
Solidarity
Solidarity, helping others less fortunate than yourself, is central to the Emmaus way of life. Everyone at Emmaus, including companions, staff, trustees and volunteers is encouraged to carry out acts of solidarity to support people who need it most.
For companions in particular, this has a huge impact on their confidence and self-worth, showing them that they can make a difference in someone else’s life and add value to the lives of people around them.
Emmaus in the world
Emmaus isn’t just in the UK, in fact, it originally started in France in the late 1940s. Since then Emmaus has grown into an international movement with more than 300 groups based in 36 countries across the world. Emmaus in the UK is made up of a federation of independent charities that work together, following the same mission, vision, and values.
Find out more about the history of Emmaus and the work of Emmaus International.
Abbe Pierre, Founder of Emmaus“People are needed to take up the challenge, strong people, who proclaim the truth, throw it in people’s faces, and do what they can with their own two hands.”