Save the date!
We’re really excited to be participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge again this year from midday Tuesday 29 November 2022 to Tuesday 6 December 2022. This year, we’re aiming to raise more than we’ve ever attempted before. Can you help us make this year’s Big Give our best yet?
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign, where for one week only, all donations are doubled, meaning that every penny you give is worth twice as much!
In 2021, our very generous supporters helped us to raise £18,320 to buy a new van for our social enterprise. This year, we’re aiming to raise £20,000 to expand our accommodation for homeless people. Earlier this year, we purchased a new house and we will use the £20,000 to refurbish it and turn it into move on housing for 4-5 homeless people.
Homeless people face many barriers in finding employment and housing. Emmaus Oxford exists to bridge that gap, giving homeless people accommodation, support and work to help them to rebuild their lives. Over the last four years we’ve had a 97% occupancy rate and a waiting list. With only 28 rooms at the moment, we knew we needed to do more to reach people who are currently homeless and provide new move-on opportunities to the people we currently support.
Expanding our accommodation will do both those things. We’ll run our new house as a move on property, so current companions who have started paid employment have a safe and affordable tenancy for a set period of time. We will work with companions to move out into their own accommodation when they’re ready, freeing up rooms for people who are homeless now.
“I lived at Emmaus Oxford for nearly three years, and it was amazing for me. I was able to sort out my mental health, have counselling, build up my work record and get my own flat. Without Emmaus, I don’t think I’d be where I am now.”
Darren, former companion
Any donation made to us during the Big Give week will make double the difference to our companions and homeless people in Oxford. We’ll have more updates on our website and social media nearer the time, so make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.