16th May, 2016

Homelessness charity Emmaus North East hopes caring sponsors will find room for them in their sponsorship budget

Emmaus North East is a homelessness charity offering sponsors the opportunity to name a room in its new residence, in return for £2,000.00.

"We are converting a former children's home to be a residence for an Emmaus community where fifteen formerly homeless people will live. They will work in the charity's shops and workshop, repairing and reconditioning donated household goods which are then sold in the shops.

"Local families on tight budgets are able to buy low cost goods and there is an environmental benefit as the donated items would otherwise have been disposed of at landfill sites.

"Residents, or 'companions' as they are known, get a secure place to live and work, as well as companionship and support to help them recover their confidence and self-respect. They learn useful work skills and eventually will move on to mainstream economic activity and independent living.

"There are currently twenty-eight Emmaus communities in the UK and over 300 worldwide, though none in the north east of England where there is a pressing need. They are extremely successful in enabling individuals who have lost everything to make a fresh start.

"Every £1 invested in an Emmaus community returns £11 in economic, social and environmental benefits".

Contact: Susan Wilson

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