What our patrons say
Joan Bakewell
"Emmaus Communities give homeless people the chance to put the past behind them and to start new lives with a sense of self-worth, in the knowledge that their work is vital to supporting themselves and those around them. Emmaus provides them with the opportunity to discover the most wonderful gift of all: the ability to give of oneself to others."
Martin Bell
"I know of no more worthwhile charity than Emmaus. It gives a sense of self-worth to people who previously lacked it; and it offers a practical, hard-working and self-sustaining solution to problems of homelessness. With your support, it can do even more."
Cherie Booth, QC
"Anyone who is homeless needs shelter, but they actually need a lot more than that and many of the homelessness projects which provide shelter but don't provide anything else are not really anything more than stop-gap solutions. What Emmaus is providing is a long-term solution to the problem of homelessness, which gives people back their dignity and gives them back their chance to become a member of the community again."
Joel Edwards, General Director, Evangelical Alliance
"Emmaus provides more than housing for vulnerable people. It offers community, self-esteem and the space to rebuild trusting relationships. It is a vision worthy of our support."
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor
"As a patron of the Brighton Community since 1997, I was always greatly moved by the feeling of healing and hope there. The unique difference of Emmaus seems to me that those who have been excluded by society have their dignity and self-confidence restored through working again. This work - and this is the point - is to relieve the distress of others in greater need. I am delighted to endorse Emmaus' plans to make their unique contribution to the relief of homelessness more widely available to the many thousands of socially disadvantaged people in the country."
Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks
"As Jews, we have an extensive knowledge of homelessness stretching across the centuries, and a particular insight into the social exclusion and the erosion of self respect that comes with it. We feel a special kinship with those who consider the needs of strangers and struggle for the restoration of their humanity. We applaud the wonderful work that Emmaus provides and wish them success and blessings in their endeavours."
Alan Titchmarsh
"We've all had times in life when we've felt like we've lost our way. Most of us are lucky enough to have friends and family to see us through. Emmaus offers that kind of support and belonging to those who don't have that network to fall back on."
Julie Walters
"I have seen many people go through difficult times, struggling with bereavement, addiction or family problems. For some, family and friends provide the vital support to see them through. Others, without such help, descend into unemployment, homelessness, desperation. Emmaus gives people who have reached rock bottom a safe place to start rebuilding their lives, a supportive Community where they can start dealing with their problems and meaningful work to support themselves and others."
