A BRADFORD homelessness charity has taken ownership of a former residential care home, where it hopes to offer a lifeline to people sleeping rough or sofa surfing in the district.

The Emmaus Bradford community will open on Pollard Lane in the Undercliffe area and provide long-term accommodation alongside training and work experience in the charity’s reuse shops.

The charity hopes to support eight people into the property this year, while it raises funds to provide 18 more rooms as soon as possible.

The staffed centre will help people to regain the skills and confidence to move on independently when ready with no time limit on how long they can stay,

There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the UK, supporting more than 850 companions, meaning the one in Bradford will be the 30th, and fourth in Yorkshire following in the footsteps of Emmaus Leeds, Emmaus Hull and Emmaus Sheffield.

The charity operates two reuse shops on Sunbridge Road and Cross Lane, Great Horton, providing a free collection service for people who have furniture or white goods to give away.

The shops are helping to reduce waste in the district by diverting thousands of household items to people at very affordable prices.

The charity also gives items away in solidarity to people in need, and provides clothes and winter items to rough sleepers.

Fran Graham, General Manager at Emmaus Bradford, is seeking for volunteers to get involved so they can open as soon as possible.

She said: “Everyone deserves to be valued, to have a safe place to sleep, and opportunities to wake up to.

"The sooner we can refurbish the property, the sooner we can start to make a difference, so we’re asking volunteers, tradespeople and businesses in the area to help if they can, with decorating, repairs, equipment or furnishings.

"Please get in touch if you can help.”

Dr Keith Manchester, a resident on Pollard Lane, said: “Emmaus Bradford will offer a second chance and a brighter future for some of Bradford’s most vulnerable residents, which can only be a good thing. Sometimes people just need kindness and a helping hand.”

Fran added: “The community is not a temporary bed for the night, it will provide a community for as long as people need it, and give companions the time and space to thrive after living hand to mouth.”

To help, contact emmausbradford@outlook.com or call 01274 945270.