At Emmaus we're working together to end homelessness
Emmaus (pronounced em-may-us) is a homelessness charity with a difference. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

The first Emmaus opened in 1991 and there are now 29 communities, which is what we call our residential sites, spread across the UK. There are also three Emmaus groups currently working to open new communities.

Emmaus supports more than 850 people who have experienced homelessness. We provide a home, training and work opportunities as part of a package of long-term support. We hope to provide a home to 1,100 people by 2025.

You only have to read the stories of some of the people we have supported to see what a difference Emmaus makes.

Emmaus supports people who have experienced homelessness
by providing a home for as long as they need it, training, personal development and work experience.

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 because it provides a home for as long as someone needs it in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, and often re-establish relationships with loved ones.

“Companion” is how we refer to those who live in an Emmaus community, where they can access work opportunities, training and the opportunity to support themselves and one another.

Emmaus social enterprises generate revenue that pays for companions’ home, food and upkeep, as well as providing a small weekly allowance. This is key to restoring feelings of self-worth, showing these individuals that their actions make a real difference, both to their own life, and the lives of others.