ABOUT US
Emmaus Greenwich is a registered charity and the day to day running is the responsibility of the community leader / coordinator and other community staff.
The Emmaus movement in general began over 50 years ago, when a remarkable French priest decided he wanted to do something to help homeless people get back on their feet. Using his own money, Abbé Pierre founded the first Emmaus Community in Paris in 1949. There are now over 400 communities worldwide, of which over 10 are in the UK. Emmaus Greenwich is independent of any religious or political organisations.
As with other Emmaus communities, Emmaus Greenwich is more than just a shelter. It provides a real home, meaningful employment and a path back to self respect and independence for people who have often given up hope. The community supports itself and provides a public service by rescuing household goods, restoring their useful life and cutting down waste by recycling materials that society throws away.
 The renovated courtyard garden at Greenwich |
Emmaus Greenwich is a member of Emmaus UK and an active member of the federation of Emmaus Communities in the UK. Emmaus UK was established to encourage and support the growth of Emmaus and the fulfilment of its ideals throughout the UK. Its president is Terry Waite, a regular visitor to the Greenwich Community.
Each Emmaus Community is affiliated to Emmaus International, which exists to promote the ideals of Emmaus throughout the world. Emmaus International forges links with other groups working to alleviate poverty and homelessness as well as sponsoring projects in areas of greatest need internationally.