The nationwide homelessness charity, Emmaus has received £10,000 from The Pavers Foundation, a donation initiated by Ian and Debbie Paver.
Emmaus work to provide more than just a bed for the night and a temporary fix for homelessness, instead they endeavour to offer homes, meaningful and fulfilling work and a sense of belonging.
Since establishing in France over 40 years ago, Emmaus has grown quickly in the UK and has 29 communities spread across the country. It continues to grow, with another four groups working to establish new communities in the near future. The UK now has the largest Emmaus movement outside of France.
Currently, there are over 750 Emmaus companions living at communities stretching from Glasgow to Dover. Each community contains a shop or social enterprise, with many successful cafes, shops, gardening projects and removal companies.
The Emmaus shop on Newland Avenue in Hull.
Debbie Paver, Trustee of The Pavers Foundation said:
“Emmaus is a completely self-funded charity that works to create safe housing for homeless people and helps to teach vital skills that can be used in the workplace. Everyone they help in turn help the charity too, by working in the charity shops, painting, decorating plus much more.
This gives those individuals an enormous sense of self-worth, helping them to overcome problems with addictions and adversity. The amount of lives they have helped to turn around is just incredible and we’re so pleased to be able to help such a worthy cause”.
Kelly Finnis, Director, Emmaus Hull said:
“We are extremely grateful for the generous donation received. This donation will directly support both rough sleepers and also formerly homeless people we house here at Emmaus.
Emmaus supports formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get back on their feet again.
For many who experience homelessness, one of the biggest obstacles they must overcome is a loss of self-esteem. Emmaus provides people with a stable home and the opportunity to regain their self-worth, making a real contribution to their community.
Research shows that for every £1 invested in a community, there is a social, environmental and economic return of £11, with savings to the benefits bill, health services and a reduction in crime re-offending.”
To find out more about this amazing charity, please visit www.emmaus.org.uk.
