Helping the homeless: Emmaus gets living room makeover from KCOM
SUPPORT: Louise Babych with Emmaus ‘companions’ Peter, Kevin and John
By Rick Lyon
Homelessness charity Emmaus Hull and East Riding has renovated the communal living area of its community centre, thanks to the support of broadband provider KCOM.
The Orchard, in Lockwood Street, Hull city centre, provides a stable home for up to 30 people who have experienced homelessness.
Emmaus provides its beneficiaries with individual support and meaningful work within one of its social enterprises. The beneficiaries – known as ‘companions’ – are able to live at The Orchard for as long as they need to get back on their feet.
KCOM has funded the complete renovation of the communal area in The Orchard, which can now accommodate up to 16 people at a time, as part of its ongoing support for Emmaus.
Charity Support Worker Sally Acton said: “Many of the companions who move in to the community centre have come from a turbulent and difficult past. Some may have been street homeless and others may have been sofa surfing for some time, with no fixed address.
“The new living area will provide a safe, comfortable and consistent space for these people to enjoy, with a real sense of community.
‘A SPACE TO ENJOY’: The new communal area
“We consulted with current companions about what they’d like to see from the lounge makeover and what colours they liked. We’ve created a new space by partitioning the lounge off with curtains, which separates the room from the hustle and bustle of a busy community. We bought materials from Dunelm, The Range and B&M in Hull.
John, a companion at Emmaus Hull and East Riding said: “It feels really homely and cosy. The room refresh was really needed and it seems to have brought the community together.
“We’ve had some really good movie nights.”
KCOM recently won the national Better Society Award for its commitment to the local community. Its support for Emmaus formed part of its award entry.
Louise Babych, KCOM’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Business Partner, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help this brilliant local charity, which does fantastic work in Hull and East Yorkshire.
“As a local business that’s been at the heart of the region for nearly 120 years, it’s a privilege for us to be able to give something back to the community we serve. We hope the companions enjoy their new facilities.”
Emmaus Hull and East Riding is appealing for furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac donations for its new charity shop at 51 Whitefriargate. To book a free collection, visit emmaushull.org/donate-goods-to-emmaus-hull/ or drop off in store.