Helping to combat homelessness with Emmaus

First founded in 1949 in Paris, by a man named Father Henri-Antoine Grouès, Emmaus is an international solidarity movement working together to combat homelessness and poverty. The first Emmaus community to open in the UK formed in 1992; now, over 25 years later, there are currently over 28 active Emmaus Communities, with more in the pipeline.

At the moment, Emmaus supports more than 750 formerly homeless people, providing them with a home for as long as they need it and giving them the opportunity to take part in meaningful work in their social enterprises. By 2020, the charity hopes to increase this number to 1,000.

Here in Hull, Emmaus currently hosts a superstore, as well as three other shops and one based in Goole. Supported by fundraising both locally and around the UK, they have used their presence here to open the first Emmaus community in Hull and the East Riding.

“We currently provide accommodation for 30 formerly homeless people, who we are continuously working with to enable them into independence”, Kelly Louise Meacock, Community Leader of Emmaus, tells us.

“We are contracted by the Hull and East Riding local authorities to provide a rough sleeper outreach provision, which allows us to offer direct support to those currently without a home. Our community prides itself on progression with the many links we have with key employers across the city, and we are keen to expand our outreach.”

Their most recent project is a purpose-built community building named The Orchard, based on Lockwood Street. Hosting 30 en-suite rooms complete with kitchens and dining areas, the building offers both a home and part-time work to formerly homeless people, known as companions. There’s even a resident cat taking up residence in the building – a furry friend for the companions.

The Orchard is supported by a social enterprise, with further plans for the community including a café and retail space, focusing on selling second-hand furniture and goods. This is in addition to the businesses Emmaus already runs in Hull, with locations on Newland Avenue and Whitefriargate.

Currently the shop is run by a combination of staff and volunteers, but as it begins to grow, it will begin to provide work for the Emmaus Hull companions. Offering them the chance to get involved with their work helps to give a sense of purpose and is a great way to start restoring their self-esteem, which they may have lost while experiencing the stress of living without a home.

Emmaus staff work closely with formerly homeless individuals to provide person-centred support, with one aim: to get them back into independence by educating, rehabilitating, and increasing their confidence and skill levels through working in a range of social enterprises.

They also offer a structured support package that encourages progression at the individual’s own pace and includes benefits such as support around their mental and physical health, assistance with basic living skills and social interaction, ways to manage previous or ongoing substance misuse and offending behavior, and opportunities to take part in work experience.

For more information about The Orchard project or on how Emmaus is helping the community of Hull in general, please visit their website.