Emmaus UK’s President, Terry Waite CBE has cut the ribbon to the new community building at Emmaus Salford – a charity that will support up to 28 formerly homeless people.
On Tuesday 26 May, Terry Waite CBE joined companions (formerly homeless people), staff and supporters of Emmaus Salford to open their new community building, Emmaus House. Emmaus Salford is a charity that supports formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work in a community setting.
Jenni, aged 29 and from Leeds, is one of 10 formerly homeless people who now live and work at Emmaus Salford. Jenni said:
“Emmaus is an opportunity to live instead of surviving. It has given me confidence, a new beginning and a life.”
The charity runs two social enterprises on Seaford Road and Fitzwarren Street, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods and vintage wares. This will enable Emmaus Salford to become self-sustaining and has helped to raise the money needed to open Emmaus House – something they have been working towards since 2005.
Val Burgoyne, Chair of Emmaus Salford, said: “It has taken us 10 years to find suitable premises to house our companions and store. The journey hasn’t ended and we’re now looking for larger premises for our social enterprise. Thanks to Salford City Council we have a small shop and Emmaus House to build upon.”
Emmaus Salford is the 25th community in the UK, working to support companions by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work. Terry Waite CBE, president of Emmaus UK, is delighted with the growth and development of Emmaus across the UK.
Terry, whose experience in captivity in Lebanon gave him a great insight into the misery, isolation, fear, boredom and despair that many homeless people go through, feels great empathy with those who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
Terry commented: “Emmaus is proud to be part of the renewal of Salford. By enabling people who have experienced homelessness to help themselves, a great contribution is being made to one of the greatest social problems.”
To visit or support Emmaus Salford, head to www.emmaus.org.uk/salford. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 0161 737 8279 or visit one of the shops.