The Rest of Your Life Starts Here…
By Tracy Mukherjee
Emmaus Glasgow is a trauma-informed charity in Scotland empowering people to overcome homelessness for good. Emmaus supports people to move on from homelessness and build a better future by providing a place to call home, training and work opportunities as part of a tailored package of support.
Living in the West End, Emmaus has become part of the scenery. From the Dumbarton Road store to the moving trucks passing, Emmaus is an integral piece of our community. But it is surprising to learn how long this charity has been on the go.
History
Emmaus started in France in 1949, shortly after the Second World War, when homelessness was a significant problem. The movement believes in a fairer and more sustainable world where people are at the heart of the system and where there is a place for everyone.
The model was first introduced to the UK in the early 1990s. A group of founding volunteers established Emmaus Cambridge to address homelessness in the city, and the community was officially opened by Sir Terry Waite. Since the first UK community opened in 1991, the Emmaus movement has grown quickly across the country. Twenty- nine communities now operate across the UK, with a further three groups in development.
Throughout the UK, Emmaus communities provide a home and support to over 1000 Emmaus companions (residents) every year.
Emmaus Glasgow
Emmaus Glasgow can accommodate up to 27 people facing homelessness. People who are homeless and live at the centre in Glasgow get the chance to volunteer and gain experience in a work setting, receiving training and qualifications – all provided through social enterprises and core work. With charity shops across the West End, a paint shop, plus a house clearing service, the residents have a chance to get their lives back on track.
Giving back is vital to the charity’s ethos and they support the local community and the city of Glasgow in many ways. The charity shops are places to find affordable furniture, household items, clothing, books, toys and more. They give new life to pre-loved items – reducing waste and promoting reuse.
With soup kitchens providing immediate relief for people in the city two evenings a week, the Emmaus model of community reaches its arms across Glasgow. The charity holds regular food bank events across the city too. Emmaus donates furniture to those in the community in desperate need.
When the time is right, Emmaus supports residents to move on into their own tenancies – usually in Glasgow, via local housing associations and referrals from the city council housing department. A start up grant, plus furniture is provided. Further support is given by helping companions make local connections in their new home and find work opportunities.
Commitment
Emmaus see the person and their strengths first. Their motto – no one’s life should be defined by homelessness. In an Emmaus community, an individual’s abilities are built upon, thereby increasing their confidence and self-esteem. With new-found purpose, they develop a commitment to make a real contribution to their community and society as a whole.
What is the saying about giving a man a fish? Emmaus is not about giving hand-outs. It’s about providing people with the tools to help themselves. This approach has been proven to produce long-term, sustainable results. For the many people stuck in a cycle of homelessness, this incredible charity provide the space and support they need to take stock of their lives and make positive changes for the future.
Emmaus can take direct referrals of those at risk or experiencing homelessness via their website or by making an enquiry directly on 0141 353 3903.
Emmaus Partick Shop
572 Dumbarton Road, G11 6RH
Hamiltonhill Shop
101 Ellesmere Street, G22 5QT
Paint Superstore at Hamiltonhill sells ethical paint diverted from landfill – repackaged and sold. The charity donates lines from £10 a tin including Farrow & Ball and Dulux Heritage.
Furniture Donation call 0141 353 3903 or email donations@emmausglasgow.org.uk
House Clearance call 0141 353 3903 or email clearances@emmausglasgow.org.uk
Volunteering info@emmausglasgow.org.uk
