How the Community works
All Emmaus Communities have a goal to become financially self-sufficient through the efforts of their residents, called Companions. They agree to work full-time for the good of the Community and, with this in mind, our Community building has been designed for twenty places. This will be enough to cover work that's needed in the residential part and in the business where they will collect and sell donated furniture. Companions will also be trained to refurbish items for re-sale.
Safe and Welcoming
Emmaus provides a place that is secure and hospitable so each Companion has an en-suite bedroom that they can make a home. Our Community Leader and Deputy Leader have a flat on the site too. They have the experience to run the Community from day-to-day and to support Companions to get their lives back on track.
Interviewing Residents
Each Companion is interviewed when they apply to join the Community to make sure it is the best place for them. Emmaus Communities are not set up to support people with a very high level of need, such as chronic dependence on drugs or mental health difficulties, and they will be referred to more suitable organisations. The communal room on the ground floor at the front doubles as somewhere Companions can talk in confidence to staff or other professionals they are in touch with from outside.
Living Side by Side
Companions eat together in the dining room and take part in daily meetings to talk about what is happening in the Community and what needs to be done. They take it in turns to cook for everyone, getting new skills and qualifications on the way. Other training will take place in the future, such as learning about computers and improving on reading, writing and math's. Relaxation is important after a day's work and Companions are able to watch TV and play pool together in the second communal room.
Local residents and businesses were invited to see the plans and find out more about Emmaus at the Wilson Marriage Centre before a planning application was made. All the comments were positive and everyone who came along gave their full support. We hope you agree and share our enthusiasm for making the Community a place to be really proud of.