News / homelessness
Help secure future of charity that provides lifeline for many
Emmaus Bristol works to help people who have experienced homelessness get back on their feet – but its future plans are in jeopardy.
The impact of lockdown measures has hit the charity hard, cutting vital income by some £5,200 a week due to the closure of shops, and affecting the mental health and wellbeing of those reliant on its social enterprises for support and training.
Emmaus provides a home for 37 people who have no recourse to public funds and was about to start renovation work on a three-bedroom house and proposals for a roof-top development of move-on homes – plans that are now hanging in the balance because of the coronavirus outbreak.
is needed now More than ever
Bosses say that while government support has been welcomed, it is nowhere near enough to make up for the loss in income.
The charity, which has shops in Bedminster and Gloucester Road as well as a store and business incubator in Backfield House on Upper York Road, has launched a Crowdfunder to help raise vital money and has until Tuesday, May 19 to raise a minimum of £5,200.
Giving an insight into the difference Emmaus makes, one person said: “Two of the greatest gifts you can give anyone, I received this year from Emmaus Bristol: direction in life and purpose. I look forward to my future.”
Explaining how the charity works, Xanne Carey, social enterprise manager for Emmaus Bristol, says: “We help to support people out of homelessness by providing a home for as long as it is needed because there is rarely a one-size-fits-all, quick fix. Getting back on your feet can take time.
“Part of our support comes in the form of work experience in one of our social enterprises. The sense of purpose provided through meaningful, daily work is vital in helping our residents begin to regain a feeling of self-worth and value in society, as well as providing skills and training useful for future employment.
“So, having all our enterprises closed during lockdown is having a twofold impact on our charity. Firstly, we have the mental health and wellbeing of our residents to manage and, secondly, we are losing almost five and a half thousand pounds in income every week – income used to provide accommodation, food and support to our residents.”
Helping to bring in a donation of furniture prior to the closure of the charity’s shops. Photo by Sean Maylon
Xanne added thanks to those who have already supported the fundraising campaign, which offers people the chance to pledge for a voucher that can be used to buy goods from one of the Emmaus Bristol shops when they reopen, or just make a monetary donation.
The support will allow the charity to continue to support the 37 people it currently provides a home for, and to secure plans for the future to help more individuals get back on their feet.
Support the Crowdfunder via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/furnishourfuture.
Emmaus is encouraging people to pledge for a voucher or donate money for its fundraising campaign. Photo by Sean Maylon
Main photo taken on the day the stores had to close – courtesy of Emmaus Bristol
Read more: How coronavirus outbreak is affecting Bristol’s charities
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