If I can end up homeless, then it can happen to anyone.
These are the sobering words of Stewart Woods who was experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough, before being helped by Merseyside housing charity Emmaus.
Emmaus helps people get back on their feet
Emmaus provide a home, training and work opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness. They also offer tailored support and the opportunity to gain skills through its social enterprises – it’s an approach which is having significant results.
Evidence shows this longer-term package of support helps people regain stability, rebuild their confidence, and work towards independence. Nonetheless, the challenge remains stark.
Earlier this year, Government figures published by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government showed a 70% increase in people sleeping rough across Merseyside last year, compared to 2023.
At the time, Marc Bamber, CEO of Emmaus Merseyside, said:
“We need long-term solutions. More investment in homelessness services and social housing is essential to prevent more people from being pushed into rough sleeping.
By providing a stable home, tailored support, and work opportunities, we help people to move forward and avoid returning to homelessness.
This has certainly been the case with Stewart Woods, 64, who has called the Emmaus centre his home for the last ten years. Like many others who experience homelessness, Stewart began rough sleeping after a run of bad luck, Stewart said:
If this can happen to me, if I could end up homeless then it could happen to anyone.
“I was married, had a well paying job and we owned our own home. Then my marriage broke down, my mum died and I was made redundant – before I knew it, I was on the streets.
“I used to sleep on Southport Pier which was quite scary and I was sleeping rough for about six months – it felt like six years.
“When you experience a few knocks, it can put you in a vulnerable position pretty quickly. I’m just grateful I found this place and got back on my feet and it’s given me my life back.
Katie experienced homelessness herself and now works for Emmaus
Katie Foster, 29, is head of operations at Emmaus Merseyside and came to the job after working as a PE teacher and enjoying a successful career in recruitment. However, for Katie, there was a sense of something missing and a desire to work in a field offering direct support to people.
Katie said:
As soon as I came here, I fell in love with it and I’ve loved every day since – it honestly doesn’t feel like work.
Katie is very open about her own journey and experienced homelessness during her teenage years when she was exposed to some distressing situations. It is something which has stuck with her, but also helped her connect with the people Emmaus supports.
Katie said:
I remember having a meeting with one of the guys and he asked why he should speak to me because – in his words – I was doing dead well. He didn’t think I would be able to relate or understand his journey or his experiences.
When I told him a little bit about my life he couldn’t believe it and we were able to establish some trust. It’s not essential or a general rule, but its helped me and I hope its allowed me to help others.
It can be really difficult for people to tell their story when coming here and not everyone has the tools and sometimes you can only cover the surface. But on top of all the work that goes on, we try and get at least a laugh a day and make something fun.
What is great to witness is the transformation in people’s lives. I have seen so many people’s lives improve and it really is amazing to see that and help them flourish.
Emmaus offers training but get no government funding
Emmaus is funded by its social enterprises which also provide training and employment to current and past residents. The organisation is also bolstered with a dedicated volunteer network who actively work with staff and residents on a range of tasks – including the upkeep and maintenance of the rural garden and allotment where they grow their own fruits and vegetables.
In January Emmaus Merseyside opened The Hub & Coffee Shop and serves a range of drinks, cakes and food. It part of a number of small enterprises which contribute to the running of the housing complex whilst also providing training and work experience to people supported by our charity.
Earlier this week and as testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, the café was awarded the maximum five-star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency. Amy, one of the people supported by Emmaus Merseyside, said:
Getting the hygiene rating has proved that our hard work pays off.
I completed my food hygiene levels as a part of meeting the standards which will help me to get a job in the future in catering. Business is starting to pick up already and I’m looking forward to seeing how successful The Hub will be over the summer.
Talia Johnson, 19, had previously worked in a number of hospitality jobs, but started working at Emmaus two months ago because she wanted to help people, she said:
I was just really sold on the community element of it and that was something I hadn’t had in any of my jobs before and its just so so rewarding.
The big thing is not to judge anyone’s experience or judge anyone’s life choices, because everyone’s circumstances are so unique. Unless you’ve walked in people’s shoes it’s hard to judge so its best to empathise and try to understand.
I see the hope and the optimism that Emmaus brings to people’s lives and how people’s attitude towards life can dramatically changes. There are many sad and heart breaking stories, but thankfully their stories haven’t come to an end and coming here opens up a whole new chapter.
Big marathon campaign
For the rest of this month, Emmaus is running its ‘Big Marathon’ campaign to encourage people to move – walk, run, cycle, hop or skate – at least 26.2 miles during May, to show support and raise awareness for the charity.
All sponsorship money raised will go towards the purchase and renovation of two new move-on homes. The homes will be used by people Emmaus support to help them on their journey out of homelessness and towards independent living.
Mikey is one of the current Emmaus companions and he is fully behind the campaign, stating on the charity’s website:
What kept me going when I was on the streets was an image in a doorway of Mo Salah in a ‘never give up’ t-shirt.
I’ve always believed in that message and believe in myself. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Article by Elliot Jessett, LDRS
