Emmaus Communities provide a unique and successful solution to the problem of homelessness by helping people to help themselves. Companions, as residents are known, are provided with rent-free accommodation, food, clothing and a small weekly allowance. In return, they work full time in the Community superstore collecting, renovating and reselling donated goods. This work supports the Community financially and enables Companions to develop skills, and rebuild their self-respect.

Emmaus Hastings & Rother helps formerly homeless people re-establish relationships with friends and family, break away from drug and alcohol dependency and learn and develop skills, which for many Companions lead to job opportunities. Through our solidarity initiatives we support other local charities and community organisations and through our retail outlet we provide low cost furniture and household items.

With our support homeless people become active members of their local community. Our Companions sign off all benefits when they join the Community, making savings for the taxpayer and in the coming year 'Just Economics' estimates that the social return on each Emmaus Communities' work will equate to an average of over £2 million per community.