£75,000 boost for Emmaus

Lloyds Bank Foundation and Big Lottery Fund joined forces to provide the funding over three years to Emmaus Sheffield’s Emmaus Shop - a social entrerprise that trains and employs homeless people and sells second-hand furniture, electricals, and other goods.

Emmaus offers an alternative to homelessness by providing a home, work, and companionship to those in need. Through the Emmaus Shop social enterprise, Emmaus provides training, support, and education to help people who are overcoming homelessness back into paid work so that they can live more stable and independent lives.

A recent study by Shelter highlighted the urgent need for local charities like these, revealing that homelessness is a major issue affecting over 200 people in the city, the equivalent to 1 in every 2,921.

Graham Bostock, community manager for Emmaus Sheffield, said: “The issues faced by our ever increasing homeless population are extremely varied, from relationship break downs, to substance misuse and mental health problems, meaning people can slip between the cracks where funding is concerned, so to be given this fantastic offer from two funders brings much needed stability.

“Funding will go directly to our project in Sheffield, changing the lives of the some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Paul Streets chief executive, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, said: “With poverty and disadvantage high and rising, charities like Emmaus Sheffield are on the front line in their communities offering help to people who need it most.”