Homelessness charity Emmaus Gloucestershire is expanding its support for people experiencing homelessness with the renovation of a property in Stroud, generously donated to the charity through a legacy gift.
The three-bedroom Grade II listed property was left to the charity in 2022 by the late David Guinness of Lower Street in Stroud, who passed away on 6 December 2020. In line with his wishes, the house will be used to support people who are facing homelessness, with the charity transforming it into social housing for a family in need.
This marks a significant development for the charity, which currently supports up to 26 adults at its property in Gloucester. The Stroud house will enable the charity to support families for the first time, offering not just housing but long-term stability.
David’s close friend of 11 years, Rose Niland, said: “David left his house to Emmaus Gloucestershire on the proviso that they didn’t sell it – he wanted it used to house homeless people, or anyone at risk of becoming homeless. Especially in his later years, David really gravitated towards disadvantaged people and supported many charities and causes. I believe he began supporting Emmaus Gloucestershire after getting to know a few homeless people and seeing their struggles first hand.”
Reflecting on David’s lasting legacy, Rose adds: “I hope David’s gift makes a real difference to many families in the years to come. It will be lovely to see life in the house again. I have such fond memories of visiting David; when he lived there, it was such a happy place. Now it feels sad and empty. Once a family moves in, there will be joy and life there again.
“Lower Street has a strong sense of community, and a family will settle in well. There’s even a lovely little school just down the road, so the house will really suit a family with young children. I think a lot of locals are glad to see the house put to good use and David’s wishes being fulfilled.”
The house requires extensive renovation before it can become a home again. After receiving the keys in 2022, the charity began the lengthy process with an architect and structural engineer. They secured listed building and household planning consent, carried out bat surveys, initiated the tendering process for contractors, and are now finally ready to begin the renovations. Emmaus Gloucestershire hopes to complete the renovation work by the end of this year and have a family move in before Christmas.
To help with the cost of renovations, Emmaus Gloucestershire is fundraising and appealing for support from local individuals and businesses to help bring David’s vision to life.
In March, a team from MACK Residential raised more than £23,000 for the project by completing a 220-mile cycle challenge from Cheltenham to Dublin. In April, a team from Ringway Infrastructure Services volunteered their time to clear the garden, helping prepare the site for renovation work. The charity welcomes additional support like this, as Lorraine Watson, Operations Manager at Emmaus Gloucestershire, explains:
“We are incredibly grateful for David’s generosity and proud to honour his wish to provide a safe, stable home for a family in need.
“Support from local individuals and businesses, whether it’s donations, fundraising, hands-on help or assistance with capital building projects, will make all the difference in getting the house ready so a family can move in before Christmas this year. If anyone is interested in contributing in any way, we’d love to hear from you.”
To support the project or offer help, email joanna@emmausglos.org.uk or call 01452 687057.
For more information about Emmaus Gloucestershire or to donate, visit www.emmaus.org.uk/gloucestershire
