Training formerly homeless in cooking and life skills
Community Development
We want to build a training kitchen for ex-homeless individuals so they can learn to eat well and develop the skills needed for work.
About this cause
Emmaus North East is a local charity which provides disadvantaged individuals with a safe place to live, 40 hours of meaningful work, and a sense of belonging. The charity is developing its first community in South Shields by renovating a former children’s home to house 15 homeless companions in the new-year. In parallel, the charity is starting a social enterprise for companions to recycle and refurbish household goods and furniture to resell at affordable prices. An outlet is already in Low Fell and new outlets will be set up locally. The income from sales will make the community financially sustainable within five years and will put over £200,000 into the local community each year. Befits also include educed landfill, health, care and judicial costs associated with homelessness.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Homelessness ruins lives and costs the community dearly. In spring 2017, Emmaus North East will be opening its doors and providing a home for 15 or so individuals in a refurbished children's home in South Shields. It will also be providing 40 hours per week of work refurbishing and reselling household goods and furniture which benefits the community by reducing landfill and providing affordable furniture. As part of the accommodation, Emmaus is asking the Coop for funds to purchase kitchen equipment within a training kitchen for Emmaus companions so that they can develop life skills, learn to eat healthily and, as appropriate, develop kitchen skills that are accredited for the workplace. By having a home, routine and skills, companions can work towards a sustainable and stable future.