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Anna Eddleston works for Coventry homelessness charity Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire. Their accommodation building is a 15th century former vicarage in Binley. They took it over in 1992, restoring it from a very dilapidated state. Anna wonders if maybe this article could be a starting point for others to contribute information or memories.
ucked away on a quiet side road near St Bartholomew's Church in Binley, Coventry, the Old Vicarage is a familiar local landmark.
This former vicarage is a large white building with parts that date back possibly to the 15th century. It took on a new lease of life and a remarkable transformation when local charity Emmaus took it over, back in 1992.
On the right and below we can see the Old Vicarage undergoing intensive restoration, inside and out, work in 1992.
Local man Tim Brooke, a former trustee at Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire who helped to set up the charity, remembers these days fondly: "In the early days our first job was the big task of finding a building and hiring staff. In fact it took us only four months to find a building - quite an achievement!"
Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire supports people to rebuild their lives after homelessness. At that time, the Old Vicarage required extensive restoration work. The initial residents, starting out in caravans within the grounds, rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly to convert it into the cosy home with 17 bedrooms it is today.
Just a short distance away in central Coventry, Emmaus still operates its flagship charity shop on Red Lane. It's not just about shopping though; it's about offering opportunities, as people being supported by the charity (who live at the Old Vicarage) help to run the shop, learning new skills and gaining confidence. They are offered support and training, and can stay for as long as they need to until they're ready to get back on their feet.
Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023; the Old Vicarage stands tall as a symbol of hope and community spirit. It's more than bricks and mortar; it's a place where lives are changed, and futures are rebuilt.
If you know someone who is facing homelessness locally, or you'd like to support your local homelessness charity, you can find out more about Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire at https://emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire.
Anna Eddleston, 2024
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