The MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire has backed a campaign calling for more support housing for people who have experienced homelessness. 

It follows Charlotte Cane's visit to Emmaus Cambridge, a charity which offers support to previously homeless people by providing accommodation, work opportunities, training, and therapeutic support.

Ms Cane was joined by John Trapp, District Councillor for Bottisham. 

Emmaus Cambridge's chief executive officer Donna Talbot showed Ms Cane and Mr Trapp the charity's unique model, which currently supports 44 people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness.

In 2005, the charity received an award from the Centre for Social Justice in recognition of its transformational work in the homelessness sector, providing long-term solutions for people experiencing insecure housing, poverty, and homelessness.

Each person who lives at Emmaus (known in the Emmaus movement as companions) has their own bedroom, with living expenses covered and meals provided in a communal dining room.

The length of time spent at Emmaus is dependent on the companion’s individual needs, giving each individual stability and an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness.

Ms Cane spoke with staff and companions, including Rob, about his experiences at Emmaus, how he overcame homelessness and the support he receives.

She also viewed two companions’ rooms to see the accommodation available within the community.

Ms Cane said: “Thank you very much for showing me around Emmaus and thank you to the companions for speaking to me about what it’s like to live and work here. Thanks also to those who allowed us to go in and see their homes.

“It’s really excellent work that you’re doing here and I hope you are able to continue. I will support your campaign to try and get more supported housing, so that when people are ready to move on into their own home, there is somewhere for them to move to.”

In addition to calling for the provision of 90,000 social rented homes per year, Emmaus UK is pressing the government to end short-term funding with a ringfenced homelessness fund. 

Ms Talbot added: “We were delighted to welcome Charlotte and John to our community and thank them for taking a genuine interest in our special model. It is wonderful to share our work in transforming homelessness into hopefulness through providing a welcoming home, tailored support and opportunities to gain new skills.

“We were heartened that Charlotte has pledged to support our Action on Homelessness Manifesto UK campaign for more supported housing, a huge step in the right direction.

“The manifesto provides the new government with a crucial opportunity to end the cruelty and injustice of homelessness for good. As well as the vital work done by different charities and organisations across the country, we would like to see urgent political action taken on homelessness.”

There are currently 30 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 companions (people who have experienced homelessness) in the UK.