Grant update: Emmaus, Cambridge

We believe that it is important for you to understand how your donations make a huge difference for those who need it most. Find out about our grant update from Emmaus Cambridge below. 

Emmaus Cambridge is one of 17 homeless charities in the UK and overseas to have received funding from our spring grant programme, where The Fine & Country Foundation gave more than £60,000 for homeless projects. 

In May, we gave £3,000 for the #10 Fresh Starts projects. Using these funds, Emmaus are constructing 10 new bedrooms in their largest extension and refurbishment in years. Our donation has funded the equivalent of three bathrooms. There is now a total of 44 bedrooms available for Emmaus companions who have experienced homelessness or social exclusion.

The new rooms have single beds and come with en-suite bathroom facilities. They are fully furnished so Emmaus’s companions can make themselves at home and adjust to life off the streets with the support and safety they need.

In addition to the 10 new bedrooms, the #10 Fresh Starts project has extended and refurbished their dining hall which feeds 50 people twice a day. 

We are delighted to see that the project is running smoothly and aims to be completed in early October 2018. Through funding and support, Emmaus Cambridge has raised £192,814 to date. The Fine & Country Foundation is delighted to maintain our partnership with the charity and assist in their future projects.

Case study: Tom
“I found myself homeless over a period of six weeks: one minute I had a relationship, a nice house, and a good job. Then, following a long period of sickness and depression, I lost my job and my relationship broke down.

“I used my savings to maintain my lifestyle for a few weeks, but when the money ran out and I found myself sofa surfing at friends’ houses. Before long, I was on the streets of Rochester sleeping rough. 

“I travelled to London to look for my brother and stayed at the charity called St Martin-in-the-Fields for a few days. When I was back on the streets I got some cardboard for the floor and put my sleeping bag on top. I eventually found my own space outside the book shop just opposite Nelsons column. I was there for about six to eight months before another homeless charity called No Second Night Out offered to help me. 

“I was there for six weeks while they made various referrals for me, sadly without success. Then one day Emmaus Colchester contacted me and I stayed at the community in Colchester for two years. I was keen to move further away from London so I contacted Emmaus Cambridge about a place in their community.

“I have been at Emmaus Cambridge for two years and four months. I work hard in all of my duties: from the shop counter in Joan’s Coffee Shop, to the warehouse where I unload and load the vans for deliveries. The community has provided me with so many opportunities. I have passed my Level Two Award in Food Safety in Catering and recently received my driving licence with the help of Emmaus Cambridge. 

“Although I became homeless in only six weeks, my journey out of homelessness has taken over two years. The experience has opened my eyes to the issue of homelessness and has encouraged me to change perceptions: they aren’t all alcoholics or drug addicts, we all have problems and need help. Through support and encouragement, I have my self-esteem and confidence back. I now feel like I am here to play my part in helping them too, in the same way that Emmaus helped me.”

Fine & Country Christmas Carol Concert
Our support of Emmaus Cambridge continues as Fine & Country Cambridge invite you to King’s College, Cambridge for our annual Carol Concert. Traditionally, The Fine & Country Foundation donates funds raised to three local homeless charities: Emmaus Cambridge, Wintercomfort and Jimmy’s. 

In a break from tradition we have moved our venue from Queen’s College to the iconic King’s College Chapel in the University of Cambridge. Tickets for the event will be available in October. To register your interest for standard and VIP tickets, please email foundation@fineandcountry.com or call +44(0) 20 3368 8221. 

Autumn grant programme 
From 1st-31st October 2018, The Fine & Country Foundation invites all registered homeless charities to apply for up to £3,000 of funding in our autumn grant programme. Full details can be found here.

Enquiries
Please contact foundation@fineandcountry.com or call +44(0) 20 3368 8221.

Postal address:

Fine & Country Foundation
121 Park Lane
Mayfair
London
W1K 7AG

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