“I feel so lucky to have found Emmaus when I did. It’s given me so many opportunities.”
Before the pandemic, Kev worked in a pub where he had live-in accommodation. The business suddenly stopped trading and he lost his job and his home overnight. For a few months, Kev slept on sofas at family and friends’ houses, before the council found him a place in a hostel.
He didn’t feel safe there, but the pandemic hit, and he had to remain there throughout the first lockdown. Soon after, he was put in touch with Emmaus and found a place in our Salford community.
Kev said: “I’ve learned about logistics because I used to schedule all the furniture collections. Now I’m working in the community office, getting involved in business administration. Emmaus is supporting me to do courses in data analysis and business processes and through the Companion Training Fund I applied for money to buy a laptop. I’m hopeful that I’ll eventually get a job in IT.
“I’ve also loved working in Lucie’s Pantry, the community’s social supermarket. I’d used a similar type of service myself, so I appreciate why customers use the Pantry rather than the local food bank. They don’t want handouts. Making even a small contribution – just £3 a week for around £20 worth of goods – and being able to choose the food they eat means they aren’t totally stripped of their dignity.”
Supporting the wider community
As we near the end of a turbulent year, many people are feeling uncertain about their future. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, especially those who are vulnerable. Many people are at risk of becoming homeless this winter, while others are struggling to make ends meet. Emmaus communities across the country offer crucial support to people in the wider community, through affordable shopping, outreach, and other services.
Working in Lucie’s Pantry, Kev has supported customers that are experiencing great need. He said: “I got to know customers at the Pantry and they would talk to me about the problems life was throwing at them. I’d work with Emmaus staff to try and find a solution for them. It could be anything from providing a new bed to advice on claiming benefits they were entitled to. These things make a huge difference to people, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.”
By supporting our Christmas appeal, you are giving a gift to people experiencing homelessness and people in the wider community. Kev said, “Believe me, your gifts achieve more than you will ever know. As well as helping people like me to get back on their feet, you’re enabling Emmaus communities to act as a vital hub for vulnerable people in the local area. We might be helping a hard-up single mum to furnish her flat, or supplying new housing association residents with a voucher for Lucie’s Pantry, so they know we’re here and on their side. We couldn’t do any of this without Emmaus supporters.”
Donate to our Christmas appeal today and your gift will keep giving. Any gift you can give will make an impact within Emmaus communities and beyond, making a difference to so many people who are in crisis this Christmas.
Thank you.
Make a difference this Christmas.
Your donation will help us to provide a home and meaningful work to people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
Making a donation couldn’t be easier.
Make a difference this Christmas.
Your donation will help us to provide a home and meaningful work to people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
Making a donation couldn’t be easier.