Emmaus Leeds supports 26 formerly homeless people (known as companions) by providing them with a stable home, personal support and meaningful work for as long as they need it. The charity opened its doors in 2003 and has since supported more than 450 people who have experienced homelessness. Emmaus Leeds sells a wide range of donated and refurbished furniture, household items, electrical appliances, clothes, bric-a-brac and bikes from its Secondhand Superstore on St Mary’s Street and charity stall at Kirkgate Market. Social enterprise is central to the Emmaus model as it provides meaningful work to those who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, but also generates funding to maintain communities. Those living in Emmaus communities are expected to sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit, which is used to help to support the community. The rest of the funding that is needed is generated through social enterprise and fundraising.
