Restoring Dignity Drop by Drop

Aim

Help us replace showers for formerly homeless adults at Emmaus Sheffield

A Hot Shower Shouldn't Be a Luxury

Imagine not having a proper shower for months. No hot water when you need it most. No private space to wash away the struggles of homelessness and start fresh each day.

For the 18 formerly homeless adults living at Emmaus Sheffield, their ensuite bathroom represents something profound: the first private, safe space they've had in months or even years. But right now, four of our showers have reached the end of their operational life and need replacing.

This isn't just about plumbing. It's about human dignity.

Meet Our Community

At Emmaus Sheffield, we're not just a charity - we're a family. Based in Sheffield's historic canal basin, we provide long-term homes (not just beds for a night) to adults recovering from homelessness. Each resident - we call them Companions - has their own ensuite room for as long as they need us.

Our Companions typically arrive having spent years sleeping rough, moving between temporary accommodation, or staying in unsafe conditions. Many come to us as their last hope of recovery, often excluded from other services or completely destitute.

The statistics that drive us:

• Sheffield saw rough sleeping double between 2022 and 2023 (107% increase), then rise another 68% in 2024
• We received 55 referrals last year, an increase of 45% on the previous year, but could only accommodate 13 people
• Over our lifetime, we've helped 350+ people, with 70% moving on to independent living

Why Showers Matter

When Lloyd, one of our Companions, reflects on his time here, he says: "Emmaus Sheffield built up my confidence, brought me out of my shell and gave me a purpose in life."

That transformation begins with the basics. A functioning shower isn't a luxury when you're rebuilding your life - it's essential for:

• Physical health: 79% of our residents report improved physical health
• Mental wellbeing: Dignity and cleanliness directly impact self-worth
• Employment readiness: You can't job hunt without being able to stay clean
• Social integration: 71% of our Companions gain new skills through our programs

The Challenge

Four of our shower units are approaching the end of their operational life - water damaged and unreliable. In our Grade II listed building (the historic Sipelia Works), this means more than just basic repairs - we need complete replacements with professional installation that meets modern standards.

Your Impact

• £10 - Provides a week of hot water for one Companion
• £20 - Helps with essential plumbing components and fittings 
• £50 - Covers basic plumbing supplies for shower installation 
• £100 - Funds waterproofing materials for one shower installation 
• £250 - Contributes towards professional installation labour
• £500 - Purchases one complete shower unit 
• £1,896 - Funds one entire shower replacement

Why We Need Your Help Now

Like many charities, we're facing unprecedented financial pressures:

• Energy costs have increased dramatically
• Building maintenance for our historic premises is expensive
• We operate with just 3 months of reserves

We've already:

• Applied to charitable foundations for funding 
• Secured a financial commitment from our Board of Trustees
• But we still need community support to complete this essential project

Every penny raised will go directly to shower replacements.

More Than Just Showers

This project supports our bigger vision. By 2027, we plan to expand our accommodation to help even more vulnerable adults, including building Move-On studios that provide stepping stones to complete independence.

Every day, our Companions work in our social enterprise - our superstore, café, collection service, and workshop. Last year alone, we:

• Welcomed over 26,000 customers to our shop
• Diverted 189 tonnes of materials from landfill
• Provided meaningful work experience to individuals rebuilding their lives

But none of this matters if our Companions can't maintain their dignity through basic facilities.

The Bigger Picture

Rough sleeping in Sheffield has increased dramatically - from 8 people in 2010 to 52 in 2024. The Yorkshire and Humber region experienced the highest rise in rough sleeping nationally at 43%.

We're the only charity in Sheffield providing long-term placement for formerly homeless adults. When a room becomes available, it's typically filled within days. The demand is overwhelming, but the transformation we witness makes every effort worthwhile.

Join Our Community

This campaign isn't just about raising funds - it's about building a community of people who believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a second chance.

Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues. Follow our journey on social media @EmmausSheffield. Visit our shop at Sipelia Works if you're local to Sheffield. Spread the word about the reality of homelessness in our city

A Message from Our Team

"We're not just asking for donations - we're inviting you to be part of something bigger. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us restore dignity to people who've lost almost everything. Together, we can ensure that every person who finds refuge at Emmaus Sheffield can begin each day with the respect and care they need to rebuild their lives."

- Janine Cotton, Community Leader

Help us turn the tide on homelessness, one shower at a time.

Emmaus Sheffield is a registered charity (No. 1085609) based at Unit 5 Sipelia Works, Cadman Street, Sheffield S4 7ZG.

Every contribution matters. Every share helps. Every supporter becomes part of our extended family.

Thank you for believing in second chances.

This project successfully funded on 24th December 2025