Emmaus construct pop-up living room in the centre of Culver Square

Brian Cooke, CEO at Emmaus Colchester, told the Gazette he hoped to bring local attention to the issue of homelessness.

“It highlights the fact that a sofa isn’t a solution to homelessness,” he said.

“About half a million people are sofa-surfing in the country. That’s not a solution – people need homes.”

The living room space also provided an opportunity for passers-by to meet former homeless people and hear about their experiences. Among those were people faced with trauma, mental health issues, and addiction.

Brian said: “Emmaus has less reliance on state benefits and, therefore, the taxpayer.

“Instead, our companions can work their way out of their homelessness problem and into a better life if they wish. Or they can stay with us.”

Emmaus has two charity shops in Colchester, selling restored homewares, furniture, and vintage items.

“Lots of people use our shop but don’t know we do this work in the background,” Brian added.

“If you buy a bed from us, for example, that will put a roof over someone’s head for seven days.”

Emmaus works with ‘companions’, rather than ‘tenants’, providing them with the ability to work and pay their own way.

“This is really important for their self-esteem,” Brian said.

“You’re working – you’re not a beggar.”

Brian, who was once homeless himself, worked in the housing sector for 30 years but felt disillusioned with society’s approach to homelessness.

He said: “It’s almost turned into an industrial complex of homelessness, where lots of people are getting rich.

“When our companions wake up in the morning, they’ve earned the bed they slept in and a roof over their head. That’s the Emmaus model: you work hard for what you get.”

“We are a community of workers. Emmaus is built around pride and self-esteem.”

Anyone wishing to support Emmaus can donate furniture, buy products, become a volunteer, or set up a monthly donation via the website.

https://emmaus.org.uk/colchester/support-us/