A COVENTRY homelessness charity celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open day event featuring author and humanitarian Terry Waite – as it announced a £25,000 fundraising drive.
Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire based in the Old Vicarage, Binley, celebrated the opening of its homelessness community in 1993.
To mark the milestone, it has called on local people to help raise £25,000 by the end of the year.
It has already raised nearly £13,000 which will strengthen the charity’s ability to support the increasing number of people who find themselves homeless in the city.
Terry Waite CBE, president of Emmaus UK and internationally acclaimed author, was one of the special guests at the event.
He met with staff, supporters and formerly homeless people being supported by the charity.
Mr Waite said: “Congratulations to everybody who has contributed to the development of this wonderful community.
“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to so many people who have supported Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire over the years.
“One of the reasons that Emmaus stands out is the way it enables formerly homeless people to regain their dignity through work and companionship.
“People no longer need to feel alone or isolated and they are offered support to get back on their feet in their own time.”
After being evicted due to spiralling debt and time caring for a sick family member, formerly homeless man Dean joined the Emmaus community.
He said: “Emmaus has given me back the confidence that seemed to slip away when I was homeless.
“My sense of pride has returned as well; I always used to be a smartly dressed person and now I feel like myself again.
“Emmaus has given me my life back and I’m incredibly thankful.”
The charity says, at any one time, it provides a home and meaningful work for 18 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
Some stay for a while as they gain confidence and skills before they are ready to move on to independent living, while others are in need of longer-term support and are able to stay for as long as they need to.
Those being supported help to run social enterprises, including a second-hand furniture shop in Coventry, to help fund the charity’s work.
Guests at the special event enjoyed history tours of the charity’s accommodation building which is a restored former vicarage dating back to the 15th century, as well as a variety of stalls, a bouncy castle and refreshments.
Find out about the ‘£25K for 25 Years’ Appeal: www.emmaus.org.uk/coventry_warwickshire/get_involved/25k_for_25_years
