This Tuesday, on World Homeless Day, we unveiled and opened two additional offers of accomodation, on the site of The Royal Oak. The new spaces will provide a long-term home for two companions.
On the grand opening, we were joined by Sir Terry Waite, president of Emmaus UK, as well as supporters, stakeholders and partners from other local organisations.
The new homes were funded by Hopestead, a charity aiming to end homelessness in the East of England. Hopestead believes that everyone deserves a place to call home and they have worked with Emmaus Suffolk to create the two pods and expand the capacity of Emmaus’ accommodation offer. Hopestead House was built by New Meaning Foundation, a charity that builds micro-homes for people experiencing homelessness. New Meaning Foundation employs ex-homeless people to provide training and work experience.
The modular homes are single occupancy and include a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Outside the homes, there will be a blooming courtyard garden, designed by The 3D Gardener. The homes are fully furnished and ready for residents of Emmaus Suffolk to move into.
Claire Staddon, CEO of Emmaus Suffolk says “We are incredibly grateful for Hopestead’s generosity and support. It’s been wonderful to build a partnership with them and New Meaning Foundation. This is going to transform the support our charity can provide to vulnerable people in Suffolk, the homes will give residents the flexibility on how much support or independence they want from Emmaus. This World Homeless Day, we’re thrilled to be expanding our charity, but we know that homelessness will continue to rise this Winter and our referrals will increase. Any support you can provide our charity, whether shopping, donating, or visiting us will make a difference”.
These two modular homes will allow Emmaus to support more people and provide a way for residents to gain independence before moving on from the charity. Other businesses involved in the creation of the homes include Axter who provided solar panels to the homes, reducing rising costs for Emmaus, and Cadent who worked on the home’s groundwork and utilities.
It was a really incredible day and we’re excited to be expanding our accommodation support so we can best support companions who are looking for that next step of independence.