A homeless charity is appealing for support after it was the victim of a break-in earlier this month (September). 

Emmaus Cambridge suffered criminal damage and theft at their on-site workshop. A window was smashed, and tools and construction equipment were stolen from the building just off the A10. 

Emmaus is sharing this news following the conclusion of an investigation by Cambridgeshire Constabulary which has failed to identify those responsible or locate the items stolen. 

The charity is now appealing to the public for replacement items and donations towards the damages caused. 

Ely Standard: A broken window at Emmaus Cambridge.A broken window at Emmaus Cambridge. (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

Over 20 individual items were stolen in the break-in including table band saws, sanders, drills and angle grinders. Collectively the pieces are valued in excess of £6,000.  

Some also had sentimental value, having been donated by supporters or people who have been supported by the homelessness charity over the years. 

The charity uses the workshop as a base to carry out maintenance and building work on their site, which is home to 50 people who have previously experienced homelessness.  

The workshop is an important part of the charity's activity as it allows companions to learn about construction, project management, and property maintenance.  

Ely Standard: The workshop residents and staff work in.The workshop residents and staff work in. (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

At the time of the burglary, the maintenance team was completing work on a new retail building and replacing windows on the site’s accommodation. 

Recently appointed CEO of Emmaus Cambridge, Donna Talbot, said: “We’re incredibly disappointed by this recent incident. Our whole community was distressed by the news, especially the 50 companions whose home was effectively targeted.  

“Our maintenance team has been working quickly to repair the damage; however, it has lost us time on other projects and created additional costs for our charity.” 

She added: “Emmaus Cambridge is a much-loved feature in the county and like all charities experiencing rising costs and a difficult financial landscape, any support that local people, businesses or organisations can provide will be greatly appreciated.” 

Ely Standard: Emmaus Cambridge's workshop.Emmaus Cambridge's workshop. (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

Emmaus Cambridge supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing a home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in their social enterprises.  

It was the first Emmaus community to be established in the UK 

Residents, known in Emmaus as companions, are offered a stable environment to learn new skills and regain their confidence while they work within the charity’s social enterprises: Joan’s Coffee Shop, their retail offerings, house clearance business, eBay department, and gardens. 

Ely Standard: Maintenance team John Baker and a resident of Emmaus, Shane.Maintenance team John Baker and a resident of Emmaus, Shane. (Image: Emmaus Cambridge)

There are now 29 communities across the UK supporting more than 815 people by providing a home for as long as needed and meaningful work in a social enterprise.  

The public can support Emmaus Cambridge by getting in touch via hello@emmauscambridge.org to help replace lost items or donating to the charity on their website: emmaus.org.uk/cambridge/support-us/donate.