The stereotype is that homelessness comes from bad choices – but it could happen to anyone

It’s a bustling Friday morning at Emmaus South Manchester Emporium. The car park at St Andrew’s Church in Wythenshawe is full. The church-run café buzzes with conversation over tea and cake, while visitors browse the shelves of the newly decorated adjoining emporium, a treasure trove of pre-loved items, where every sale supports a mission of hope and fresh beginnings.

Emmaus is more than just a charity shop. It’s part of a global movement that supports people out of homelessness by providing housing, meaningful work and a sense of belonging.

Founded in France in the aftermath of World War II, Emmaus came to the UK in 1991 and now runs 30 communities across the country. The South Manchester branch opened in 2021 and has been making a big difference locally ever since.

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A crisis on the rise

Analysis by the Financial Times shows that one in every 200 UK households is experiencing homelessness. With homelessness reaching critical levels, organisations like Emmaus have never been more essential.

So, what’s driving homelessness in Britain?

High inflation, rising rents, spiralling energy bills and increasing food prices mean many households simply can’t keep up. Figures from the debt advice organisation Money Wellness reveal 53% of their customers don’t have enough money coming in to cover the cost of essentials.

And for those just getting by, it’s impossible to save so that they’re able to weather unexpected events, such as a job loss, a rent hike or a broken boiler. Indeed, the trigger for 21% of the people approaching Money Wellness for help is job loss or a drop in income.

To better understand these pressures, Money Wellness spoke with Reuben Phillips, operations manager at Emmaus South Manchester Emporium. He sees the effects first-hand every day.

“The stereotype is that homelessness is caused by bad choices or addiction,” Reuben explains. “But the truth is, it can happen to anyone. One bad break, a job loss, a family tragedy, and suddenly, you’re on the edge.”

While many associate homelessness with rough sleeping, that’s just one part of a much wider problem. Countless others are sofa surfing, trapped in temporary accommodation or forced to stay in unsafe environments.

“We’ve supported people who lost everything, through eviction, domestic violence, even things like pest infestations that made their homes uninhabitable,” Reuben says.

A lifeline in the community

The manager explains how Emmaus is much more than a shop: “It’s a community, one that helps people rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.”

The emporium sells everything from furniture and white goods to books, handmade crafts and footwear. But for many local residents, it’s more than a place to find a bargain, it’s a lifeline.

“Not everyone can afford a brand-new sofa,” Reuben says.

He recalls being approached recently by children’s services about a family in need:

“The family had been moved to a new property, and their teenage son was sleeping on the floor. So, a colleague and I looked through our storage containers and found a single bed and mattress. We delivered it the same day.

“It feels good to know that now that child’s not sleeping on the floor.”

Emmaus is known for its acts of philanthropy, giving away free school uniforms, clothing, shoes and even furniture to those in urgent need.

“Most charity shops aren’t set up to give items away,” says Reuben. “But we’re small, local and community-focused. We help where we can.”

And the need is clear. With up to 1,000 visitors a week, Emmaus provides more than affordable goods, it offers human connection. For some older visitors, a friendly chat with staff or volunteers might be their only conversation that day.

For volunteers, too, the experience can be life-changing, a chance not only to give back but to grow in confidence and skills.

“I once worked with a guy who was very shy. He was neurodivergent and all he did was tidy in the back. After a year of working together, he was working the till and making sales. He was so proud when he put through a big sale,” Reuben recounts.

Plans for a residential community in Wythenshawe

Unlike its branches in Bolton and Salford, Emmaus South Manchester doesn’t yet have a residential community, but plans are in motion.

“It takes time,” says Reuben. “But the goal is to offer more than work. We want to provide a home, stability and a fresh start.”

Emmaus offers practical training opportunities to help volunteers build their knowledge and skills, to equip them for long-term independence. But perhaps more important than any single skill is the sense of purpose it brings.

“Everyone goes through tough times,” Reuben says. “But being part of something, a community, gives people a reason to get up in the morning. It helps them feel valued again.”

To learn more or get involved, visit Emmaus South Manchester.

Gabrielle Pickard Whitehead is lead financial content writer at Money Wellness.

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