Stories

James

"Emmaus is a new way of life that was created 50 years ago to show society that we have a new way of doing things. Emmaus is not really a charitable organization and it’s not just about homeless people, it’s a philosophy. Emmaus does not just take someone, give them a job and tell what their room number is. Emmaus is a stage of life for people who have lost hope of finding a place in society.

There are many reasons why people come to Emmaus and why they’ve lost that hope. It’s not enough to give someone a bed and some food; you need to give them hope to rebuild another life.
For me Emmaus is some kind of security but everyone who comes here has a different kind of ambition.

Emmaus allows everyone to find their own path. That’s a good thing. We have to give people choice.

In here we are 25 people but we live in peace. It’s not so easy to live together with 25 people who all have different kinds of religion, color, and background. If there is not love, comprehension or solidarity then this would not be possible.

In France Emmaus is the life of everyone, it’s an icon of society. But here in England the situation is very different because Emmaus is very young and also English society is more individualist. But I hope that in time Emmaus across the world will be as well known as Emmaus is in France."

Mark

"I’d heard about Emmaus in Poland. I’d heard the name but then I heard about it here when I phoned Emmaus on behalf of a friend who was also homeless.

The whole idea of Emmaus, its mission statement, is wonderful but as everything man-made it is imperfect but we are trying to do our best. We are doing something positive, contributing.

I care a lot about Emmaus. You don’t have to do nothing in your life apart from dying and paying taxes. If you have an inquisitive mind it makes you want to get out and to do something and to understand things. You meet people in Emmaus and you would never have suspected that someone would have this or that experience in their life but then you talk to them and they’ve done so much more.

For me personally, I’m doing my driving license which I’m very glad about. I passed my driving test when I was in Poland but after the collapse of Communism everything was in such a mess that they couldn’t find any record of me having passed it. Once I’ve passed my test, I’m looking forward to driving the van and at least there’s always a parking space outside! I’m also doing a course at the local college - Spanish language. I’m very pleased about it. And I love reading and there are plenty of books in Emmaus!"

Ken

"I moved out to my own flat in March 2007. It’s sheltered housing and I’m very happy with the flat. But I feel I owe this place some thank-yous.

I come in on the bus whenever I’m needed. I usually come in on a Monday to bring the dog her weekly treat - a bone. If I came in here on a Monday without that bone I think she’d have my leg away!

I’ve been invited to spend Christmas at the Community. Coming in as a volunteer gives me something to do and gives me something to look forward to."