Emmanuel House supports people who are rough sleeping, homeless or in crisis. Our day centre in Hockley is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for people to drop in and get the help they need.

Ben* came to Emmanuel House two months ago because of a relationship breakdown with his partner.

He had left his partner, children and the family home and was rough sleeping on a park bench. He had been a victim of domestic violence and financial abuse. He walked past Emmanuel House one day and came into the support centre to get help.

Our Support Worker provided him with a lot of emotional support as he was suffering with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Ben was referred to the Winter Shelter and he was accepted the same day. At the shelter, he had access to 24-hour support and three meals a day.

After four weeks, we referred Ben to a supported housing provider outside of the city. We ordered a taxi for him to take his belongings and provided him with bus fare so he could travel to see his children.

We supported Ben with getting access to his children, who he is now seeing regularly. We helped him to get on the local housing register, ensured he was receiving the benefits he is entitled to and registered him with his local GP. 

Ben is the happiest we have ever seen him

Ben also joined our allotment project and now regularly attends our gardening sessions. We also referred him to a specialist service that supports men who are survivors of domestic abuse. Ben is the happiest we have ever seen him. He is working part-time and is looking for full-time work.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

If you need support for rough sleeping, please get in touch.

If you’d like to support the work of Emmanuel House, please consider making a donation so that we continue this vital work.