About our Founder - Brother Al
After working at the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Kings Cross, Sydney Al moved to Perth where he worked at St Bartholomew’s Crisis Centre. Here he met and befriended so many people battling mental health issues. Many people were reaching out for help but there were never enough beds to go around. These people shared their collective experiences of homelessness, addiction, suffering, violence, of feeling alone and being lonely. They inspired Al to do something.
Over a number of years, Al fulfilled his vision of creating stable and secure long-term accommodation for adults with mental health issues – where people could live independently, with support and assistance, while sharing the same journey.
In 2000, Al sold a property that he personally owned and from the proceeds, bought a modest house in Queens Park, Western Australia (about 12kms south-east of Perth). Over 20 years, this has grown to incorporate 12 surrounding houses where fences were taken down and a wonderful and unique community was established!
Emmaus Community provides a real home environment for all who live and visit here – including family and friends of our resident Community Members. We provide weekly lunches for those who want to share and participate as well as regular community events throughout the year. Living at Emmaus Community is just like being part of one big family!
Emmaus Community is grateful for the support given by the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and the Micah Foundation who has helped us purchase housing and land as well as the support of so many others who have helped nurture us on our journey.
ABC Compass aired a documentary about Emmaus Community called “A Place to Call Home” in 2020.
Double click on the video below to watch “A Place to Call Home.”
Current Appeals:
New Homes
To provide more accommodation for people in need, we plan to construct two houses.
Transport
To facilitate transport for community members, we plan to purchase a 7seater vehicle.
Wills & Bequests
Help Emmaus continue to support the community by leaving a gift in your Will.
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