Homelessness charity Emmaus Cambridge welcomed MEP Alex Mayer to its community in Landbeach to celebrate International Day of Charity.
On arrival, the member of European parliament for the East of England was greeted by Diane Docherty, community director at Emmaus, and Matthew Last, one of the charity’s trustees.
She was shown the gardens and Joan’s coffee shop before meeting the community’s chickens, and latest resident, Betty, the black pig.
Emmaus provides a home and work for 34 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, offering them a route out of homelessness and a way of life within a supportive environment.
Companions (formerly homeless people) work full time while they are at Emmaus selling and upcycling second-hand furniture and household items at its Landbeach charity shop.
The income generated through Emmaus’ shops goes back into the community and enables companions to develop skills, rebuild their self-respect and help others in need.
Emmaus Cambridge is adding 10 rooms to its community next year. Fundraising begins in October 2017.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here