Team effort transforms London day centre for people who are homeless
Homelessness
Tyne and Wear
May 2022
Emmaus North East’s new Stanhope Road property provides hope for an additional five formerly homeless people thanks to CRASH’s help
Emmaus North East is a homelessness charity with a difference – they provide more than just a bed for the night to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. Companions (the name Emmaus gives to their residents) have a home for as long as they need it, meaningful work in one of their social enterprises, funded training and an opportunity to get back on their feet.
Situated in South Shields, the community has the capacity to support up to 15 companions who work in the community’s social enterprises, with jobs ranging from house clearances to making bespoke items out of recycled wood in their workshop.
The need
Emmaus North East was the first Emmaus community in the North East of England and at the time of approaching CRASH, they had been at capacity for twelve months with a long waiting list of people who would like to join.
Knowing they needed to increase their capacity, Emmaus North East purchased two neighbouring flats to their community in Stanhope Road in a bid to create space for an additional five Companions… and they needed CRASH’s help to make it happen!
The Solution
CRASH helped Emmaus North East remodel the flats into three additional rooms for their community, and a self-contained flat with two bedrooms for Companions who are preparing for independent living away from Emmaus North East. The additional rooms and flat are now fit for purpose and are already being used by Companions.
Emmaus North East’s capacity has now increased from 15 to 20 Companions, meaning that an additional five formerly homeless people have been given a place to call home and a chance to rebuild their lives.
How CRASH Corporate Patrons helped?
CRASH Corporate Patrons Arcadis, British Gypsum and Dulux Trade collaborated alongside CRASH supporters Altro Flooring and Johnson Tiles to help remodel the flats, helping homeless men and women in the North East to get back on their feet.
- £20,000 grant awarded by CRASH, made possible through fundraising.
- £5,046 worth of donated professional services and building products from CRASH Corporate Patrons and supporters.
The social impact
“Purchasing the two flats which CRASH helped us renovate increased the rooms we have available from 15 to 20 rooms – a significant increase. Apart from allowing us to help more homeless people, these flats also provide accommodation for Companions who are ready to “move on” from living with Emmaus to having their own place and outside employment. This is what our Companions aspire to, and we now have a suitable intermediate establishment between living in a residence with many other Companions to living in more “independent” accommodation which prepares them for life outside Emmaus. We could not have done all of this without the help and support of CRASH. They committed to our project, were always helpful and enthusiastic, and often went the extra mile to help us. They were a joy to work with and we owe them a big vote of thanks!”
Chair of the Board of Trustees at Emmaus North-East
“Since moving into 255 Stanhope Road, it feels like I have more independence. Although it feels strange to not be living with so many other companions in the main residence, it is a great way to adjust to ‘move-on’. I also have more independence in using the kitchen to cook for myself. I greatly appreciate being given the trust to live in a room with more independence.”
Companion at Emmaus North-East
“It has been a pleasure to increase the capacity at Emmaus North East by over 33%. That is five additional beds. Five people now receiving the amazing support of Emmaus North East – giving formerly homeless adults the chance to rebuild their lives. Thank you to CRASH’s Corporate Patrons and supporters who helped make this happen, you are making a difference by constructing places that care for people.”
Projects Manager at CRASH
