About Us
Who We Are and What We Do
Emmaus Preston is a registered charity concerned with homelessness and recycling. We offer a place to live to people who have been homeless and are willing to help in the recycling business we run from the Community at 165 Ribbleton Lane in Preston. Our aim is to become self-sufficient financially as soon as possible, by collecting and selling donated furniture and household goods and eventually other business ventures will be incorporated.
Companions, the residents, receive accommodation, food, clothing and a small weekly allowance, but for many, the greatest benefit is a fresh start. To join a Community, they sign off unemployment benefits and agree to participate in the life of the Community and work a 40 hr week. Read more about Living in an Emmaus Community.
Emmaus Preston is part of an international organisation, Emmaus International, which began in France in 1949 and now numbers over 400 members worldwide. Together we follow the Universal Manifesto of Emmaus and work towards combatting social exclusion.
Our Community is set up as an independent business company and registered charity, affiliated to Emmaus UK and Emmaus International. Our main aim is to become self-sufficient within the next 3 to 5 years. Our main income is from the sale of donated goods. Our residents are able to claim housing benefit to meet this cost, other than this, no state benefit is claimed.
How We Do It
We restore self respect and confidence by the provision of a supportive home and a full-time job. All residents sign off primary benefit and commit to work a 40-hour week. The Birches will provide accommodation for residents, as well as for the residential Co-ordinating staff, All residents work in the Community in areas such as the collection of donated goods or the delivery of furniture sold in the shop, working in the store or other businesses, domestic work in the home, cooking and various other tasks. Training can also be arranged for anyone wishing to learn new skills. The Birches is a former council run elderly care home. Phase one of the refurbishment has now been completed and provides en-suite accommodation for nine people. Phase two, the development of the first floor will continue whilst the rest of the building is in use.
Who We Help
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to request a place in the Community themselves, although in most cases our residents are referred by other agencies. There is no restriction as to the length of stay and provided an individual has not been excluded for any reason, they are welcome to return, or move to another Community if a room is available. Alcohol and illegal or non-prescribed drugs are not permitted on the premises or in the grounds. Nor do we accept violent, aggressive, abusive or disruptive behaviour.
The Business Side
We have just been given use of a 9000 sq. feet retail unit on London Road, which was the HI_Q Goodyear tyre depot to use as a retail unit for the furniture and goods with which Emmaus Preston generates income. Opening sometime in September 2008.
