About Emmaus Dover
Emmaus Dover is part of a global Emmaus movement, made up of more than 400 communities worldwide. We provide a home, meaningful work, and a fresh start for people who have previously experienced homelessness.
Our Story
Since 1995, our community has been based at the historic Archcliffe Fort in Dover. When we first arrived, many of the buildings were in a state of disrepair. After investing over £500,000 in renovations, we became fully operational in July 1998.
In 2019, we launched our “Building a Better Future” project to further improve and preserve our historic site. Thanks to the incredible support of our donors and partners, we raised over £1 million to upgrade our facilities. By 2023, the transformation was complete: we now have a modern, energy-efficient retail space, a newly refurbished warehouse and workshop, a welcoming café with visitor toilets, and a garden centre next to a brand-new car park. The official reopening was marked by a visit from Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, President of Emmaus UK.
What We Do
Emmaus Dover is a working community and social enterprise. We collect, repair, renovate, and resell donated items, focusing on furniture and electrical white goods. In our on-site workshop, companions (the people we support) create new items using recycled materials wherever possible.
Our community also includes a garden centre and a kitchen garden. Companions grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and plants to sell in our shop and use in our café. Through these activities, we aim to be financially self-sustaining and environmentally conscious.
Today, we provide a home and support for up to 27 formerly homeless people at Archcliffe Fort, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Our history
In 1994 Francis Watts was helping his wife, Anne, at the soup kitchen in Dover.
A conversation developed between Francis and a gentleman about what he thought was needed in Dover. The reply came, ‘We all have our hideaways, but we are bored to tears during the day’. The idea of creating an Emmaus community in Dover was born.
About Emmaus
Emmaus is a homelessness charity providing more than just a bed for the night to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.