GREEN ROOF Charity Means Business!

How many charities do you know that won’t keep asking for financial support from the local community year after year?

Homelessness charity, Emmaus Hampshire’s “GREEN ROOF Project” is unique in so many ways but its approach to success is a refreshing change, too.

As Project Director, Avril Robinson, says, the "GREEN ROOF Project" is a social enterprise initiative that will strive to become a successful business in its own right. This “live/work” Community development will become self-financing within a three to five year period and, indeed, will generate revenue surpluses which can then be channelled back out into the wider community to help support other charitable causes.”

To live in an Emmaus Community, residents must sign off primary state benefits and agree to work a 40-hour week. In return, each “Companion” receives a weekly wage, an encouraging environment within which to work and live, and the opportunity to develop invaluable personal and professional skills.

For the "GREEN ROOF Project", the main source of Community revenue will be through the recycling, refurbishment and sale of second-hand goods. Once built, the Community will offer workshops where Companions can make or restore quality furniture and other second-hand goods which can then be sold in the adjoining retail area. “The key to success is offering meaningful work,” says Alison Thompson, Chair of Emmaus Hampshire. “Each Companion is encouraged to take responsibility for the Emmaus business; to take responsibility for their own futures. Once back in a working environment, residents flourish … there really is a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”

Located at Bar End, the GREEN ROOF Project" will also have obvious synergies with the neighbouring Household Waste Recycling Centre, and will make a significant and innovative contribution to the management of waste and redundant materials in the local community and beyond, too.

It is hoped that the construction of the Emmaus Hampshire Community will begin early 2008 so that its doors can open to Companions in early 2009. The target for this unique social enterprise project in Hampshire is £3.0 million – the bulk of which will need to be raised in the next two-year period.