Welcome to Emmaus Colchester

The Emmaus Colchester Community

People lose their homes for an amazing variety of reasons; many of them not within the control of the individual. Emmaus is an organisation which allows people who have lost their homes to help themselves. In return for a home and their meals they are expected to come off benefits and to work for 40 hours per week. Companions are also expected to support the Emmaus principle of helping others less fortunate than themselves.

The Emmaus community house in Colchester has now been open for three years. During that time more than 100 people, (Companions), have lived and worked in our community. Emmaus gives Companions the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

Although there is no limit to how long people can stay, many are with us only a short time. Our very first Companion Trevor, has just moved into his own flat after almost three years living in our Community.

Furniture wanted and for sale

We have almost reached our target of becoming financially self-sufficient. This means that the work carried out by the companions, volunteers and staff, recycling and reselling used furniture, books, bric-a-brac and clothing in our shop and warehouse will cover the costs of running the community. So please keep thinking of us when you have things which are too good to go to the tip. Without your support in donating to and buying from us, we could not begin to cover our costs.

Recycle your ink cartridges and laser toners and support Emmaus Colchester

We have recently started collecting used printer cartridges and mobile phones for which the community receives 20% of the value from Wise Fundraising so please ask for a bag to donate your old equipment.

Continuing with our Fundraising

Being self-sufficient doesn’t mean that we no longer need to raise funds. There are lots more things we would like to achieve. For example we would like to provide more training for the companions to help them with their futures. We would also like to fund some ‘moving-on accommodation’ to provide a next stage for companions. This would allow us to help more people by freeing up rooms in the community house.

We are delighted to have recently received donations from Lloyds TSB Foundation to help fund some of the staff costs which we incur and from our local branch of Linklaters to enable us to buy Emmaus uniforms for the Companions.

Many thanks to both organisations for their generous support.