Emmaus UK

Emmaus UK is a national homelessness charity dedicated to providing long-term support, homes and meaningful work opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness, social exclusion or vulnerability in the United Kingdom. Rather than simply offering temporary shelter, Emmaus communities give people - known within the organisation as companions - a stable home for as long as it's needed, alongside training, work experience and the chance to rebuild self-esteem and independence. The charity's long-standing model combines accommodation with social enterprise activities, helping individuals gain purpose while contributing to their communities.

Emmaus UK operates across the UK, with 20+ active communities from Glasgow to Dover supporting more than 850 formerly homeless people. Each community is unique, tailored to local needs and offering a mix of housing, employment training, social activities and personal support - all rooted in dignity, solidarity and a commitment to ending homelessness. As part of the wider international Emmaus movement, the UK network connects to a global coalition of organisations with similar goals of combating poverty and exclusion.

Emmaus UK Charity Shops

Emmaus communities in the UK operate a network of charity shops and social enterprises nationwide, which are essential to funding their homelessness support work. These shops sell donated second-hand goods - including furniture, household items, clothing, books, bric-a-brac and upcycled furniture - often at very affordable prices. Many locations also refurbish and restore furniture in onsite workshops before sale. Unlike typical charity shops, Emmaus shops are often larger and focus on a wide range of resale goods, including superstore-style outlets in places like Merseyside and Preston that stock furniture, electricals and designer preloved items. Proceeds from these shops go directly back into Emmaus communities to help fund homes, living costs and training for companions while offering sustainable reuse solutions across the UK.