A group of social activists from South Africa have visited Emmaus Salford to learn how the charity supports formerly homeless people and operates its social enterprise.
Three activists visited Manchester between the 7 and 12 March as part of a citizen-led development course at Manchester University.
The group participated in community exchanges with people living in low-income areas of Greater Manchester and took part in a community exchange workshop.
Social activists, Nkokheli Ncambele, Alina Mofokeng and Charlton Ziervogel, visited Emmaus Salford to meet with formerly homeless people supported by the charity and to gain a better understanding of the Emmaus financial model.
Jenny Bottomley, a formerly homeless person who now lives and works at Emmaus Salford, said: “It’s nice to be able to reach out to other people and, in doing so, better understand how we all help and support each other with all the different challenges we face.”
Emmaus Salford runs two social enterprises on Seaford Road and Fitzwarren Street, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods and vintage wares. Money generated helps to support formerly homeless people who live and work at Emmaus Salford.
The group who visited Emmaus Salford are part of an international social movement called Shack / Slum Dwellers International (SDI), supporting people facing social inequalities. SDI helps to empower people in low-income communities – improving their prosperity, increasing work opportunities and giving them a stronger voice in local decision making.
