Helping the homeless in Ipswich and Suffolk

And whilst our day to day business of block management involves dealing with property owners, residents and the managing of homes, BM’s Managing Director, David Collinson has also been donating his time towards helping those who don’t have access to a home: the homeless.

David is a volunteer on the board of Emmaus (pronounced 'ee-may-us) – a charity that helps the homeless through the creation of communities that offer companionship and support.

David has used Block Management UK Ltd’s resources to fit out the charity’s recent popup shop in the Sailmakers Shopping Centre in central Ipswich in 2017 (pictured).

Emmaus communities offer a home for as long as someone needs it. Emmaus companions get a room of their own, food, clothing and a small weekly allowance. In return, companions work for 40 hours per week, or give as much time as they are able, in the community's social enterprises. The main business activities for Emmaus communities is collecting donated furniture and household goods and selling them in their shops. Some items are refurbished or 'upcycled’. Emmaus also run cafés, house clearance businesses, gardening projects and clothing shops. These activities give Emmaus companions the opportunity to gain new skills, or use their existing creative flair to bring something back into use.  The impact of this charity can be seen on the Emmaus website.

There are currently 29 Emmaus communities spread across the UK, supporting more than 780 formerly homeless people. There are also four Emmaus groups working to set up new communities to help us to reach our target of offering at least 1,000 companion places by 2020.