Emmaus Communities enable people to move on from homelessness, providing work and a home in a supportive, family environment. Companions, as residents are known, work full time collecting and reselling donated furniture to the whole community. This work supports the Community financially and enables residents to develop skills, rebuild their self-respect and help others in greater need.

Companions receive accommodation, food, clothing and a small weekly allowance, but for many, the greatest benefit is a fresh start. To join a Community, they sign off unemployment benefits and agree to participate in the life and work of the Community to the best of their abilities.

Emmaus is a secular movement, spanning 36 countries, with 19 Communities in the UK. Each Community aims to become self-supporting, with any surplus donated to others in greater need. Emmaus Gloucestershire Companions regularly do sponsored walks, car boot sales, and give their free time in practical work to help local children’s charities, as well as donating surplus funds to help local, national, and international charities in their work.

This year we hope to give away a total of £40,000!

Click here to learn more about our history and our charity.

Thinking of joining Emmaus Gloucester? Find out how to become a Companion here.