History

Emmaus Greenwich and The Second Hand community shop in Plumstead were opened in 1994 by HRH the Prince of Wales in the presence of Abbé Pierre, the founder of the Emmaus Movement and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie. The Community re-opened in 2001 after a period of closure for refurbishment which was carried out thanks to a sizeable donation from the Oak Foundation, amongst others. It has been growing steadily since 2001.

In July 2008 Emmaus Greenwich was proud to open a 2nd shop in Lewisham which was officially opened by the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, and the Emmaus UK president, Terry Waite.

The Community is actively contributing to the reduction of homelessness in the UK by giving homeless people the opportunity to get off the streets and into a structured life within the Community.

Emmaus Greenwich is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees. The General Manager is responsible for driving forward the Community’s vision while the Community Leader, supported by other Community staff, manages the day to day operations of the Community, the shops and Companion welfare. This involves running Community meetings to discuss and agree the management of the Community with Companions.

As with other Emmaus communities, Emmaus Greenwich is more than just a shelter. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth and the community accepts only Companions who are ready and willing to address and sort out their problems, and who it can realistically support. It provides a real home, meaningful voluntary work and a path back to self respect and independence for people who have often given up hope. The community supports itself through its Community Shops, providing a public service by rescuing household goods, restoring their useful life and cutting down waste by recycling materials that society throws away.