Fifty years ago, local priest and former headteacher of The Becket School, Father Roger Killeen, noticed a need for more support in Nottingham for people experiencing homelessness and isolation. Renting a former clothing store on Goose Gate, he set up a service providing hot drinks, snacks and advice. He named it ‘Emmanuel House’.
He was not alone. Gradually, a community of volunteers, supporters, and staff came together. What began as a simple response to loneliness and homelessness grew into a multi-service hub offering housing support, healthcare access, activities, advice and accommodation.
Today, just as in 1976, we believe every person is of equal worth, whatever their circumstances or the path that brought them to our door. This belief has been the thread running through Emmanuel House for the last fifty years, weaving together countless stories of support, resilience and community.
Donate today
For half a century, people across Nottingham have made Emmanuel House possible through their time, generosity, expertise and care.
A donation of £25 could help provide essential winter supplies, while larger gifts help us offer accommodation, practical support and opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.
Our Support Centre
Our charity prioritises prevention, intervention and recovery from homelessness. Food, hot drinks, toiletries, showers and clean clothes are provided every weekday morning, offering nourishment and restoring dignity. Every evening, our Night Shelter provides warmth and a safe place to sleep for people who might otherwise be sleeping rough on our streets. We help people navigate services, improve wellbeing, overcome barriers and secure accommodation.
But what’s always been special is much more than just the practical support offered at Emmanuel House. It’s what happens between people.
We support people to reconnect, build trust and find community – with us, with one another, sometimes with people they’ve lost touch with, sometimes with people who become important parts of their future. These connections are woven into everything we do, and are at the heart of the lasting change we help to create.
Because rebuilding a life involves other people. People who will listen. People you can trust. People who see something in you when you’re struggling to see it yourself.
As we approach our 50th winter, we still need your support. Every winter brings increasing pressure on our services as people face cold weather, isolation and housing insecurity. Government investment to tackle rough sleeping is welcomed and we look forward to working with partners across the city on new projects. But this is only part of the story. With your help, we can ensure the thread of compassion, dignity and hope that has run through Emmanuel House for five decades continues for many years to come, so that everyone who walks through our doors can find warmth, connection and a brighter future.
Our vision
We share a vision of a Nottingham where far fewer people experience homelessness or rough sleeping, where safe and affordable housing is available to all, and where people can access support before reaching crisis point. And we remain committed to building the strong, compassionate communities that help people move beyond crisis and thrive.
“Our founder, Father Roger was Irish. There’s an old Irish saying: “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” This captures so much of what Emmanuel House is about – the relationships we build, the support we give each other, and the sense of belonging that helps people move forward. Over the last fifty years, the people have changed. Our work has developed. But those values have stayed the same.”
Andy’s* story
One former service user, Andy*, recently contacted us to share how Emmanuel House helped him during some of the most difficult years of his life.
Formerly homeless and struggling with drug addiction, Andy relied on Emmanuel House for meals, clothing, medical support and a safe space during periods of crisis. Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“I remember visiting and seeing the medical staff and using the shower and facilities to get clean. Multiple times you gave me clothing so I would not smell or be dirty, which really helped me feel better. I remember… how amazing it was to know that I had somewhere to go that was warm, dry and inviting at the hardest points of my life.
I have since left the area for a fresh start. I have been where I am now for a little over a year. I am free from drugs, I am housed and I am safe and secure, something only a short while ago I did not think I would ever have. Your charity was really helpful to me and gave me the confidence to rebuild my life and take the steps I needed to.”
Other ways to support Emmanuel House
- Set up a regular donation: Give monthly and help provide reliable support throughout the year.
- Donate essential items: Bring clothing and non-perishable items to the Emmanuel House Support Centre at 53-61 Goose Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1FE, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
- Shop online: Purchase items from the Emmanuel House Amazon Wishlist to be delivered directly to the Centre.
- Send supermarket vouchers: when purchasing gift cards, use ‘Emmanuel House’ as the recipient and donations@emmanuelhouse.org.uk as the contact.
- Volunteer: join our volunteer team. Right now, we’re seeking people to help in our kitchen.
- Keep in touch: follow our socials and subscribe to our mailing list, and join us in reflecting on five decades of support.
This year, your contribution is more than a donation – it is a gesture that honours the legacy of those who worked to build Emmanuel House and provides hope and stability for the future.
As Emmanuel House prepares for its 50th winter, will you help ensure nobody in Nottingham has to face homelessness alone? Please donate today and help make this a winter of hope.
However you choose to contribute, thank you for joining us this milestone winter.
Follow our socials over the coming days as we share pieces of our history. Be sure to comment, share and tell us about your own memories of Emmanuel House.
