Supporters, donors, business partners, volunteers, staff, local dignitaries and people connected to Emmanuel House gathered this week to celebrate a landmark moment in the charity’s 50-year history.
The completion of the purchase of its Support Centre building on Goose Gate in Nottingham city centre.
The event marked both a celebration of community generosity and a significant investment in the future of Nottingham’s homelessness support services, delivered by one of the city’s longest-serving independent charities.
Guests enjoyed guided tours of the building, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by an Emmanuel House beneficiary, a performance by Grassroots Choir (a community choir that rehearses weekly at Emmanuel House), and speeches recognising the collective effort that secured the charity’s permanent home. The afternoon also provided an opportunity to reflect on five decades of service to Nottingham and to look ahead to the next chapter in the organisation’s journey.
The purchase of the building has been made possible through the incredible generosity of local donors and supporters who rallied behind Emmanuel House’s Building Fund Appeal in March 2026, alongside the support and commitment shown by Nottingham City Council. The Council’s decision to offer Emmanuel House the opportunity to purchase the building has secured the charity’s long-term future in the heart of the city it has served since 1976.
Isabella Harriss, Chief Executive of Emmanuel House, said:
“Today is about celebrating what can be achieved when a city comes together around a shared belief in community, compassion and opportunity. For 50 years, Emmanuel House has been part of Nottingham’s story, supporting people through challenges and helping them move towards brighter futures. Securing this building means we can continue that work.
“We are incredibly grateful to Nottingham City Council for the trust and support they have shown us throughout this process. Their partnership has helped make this once-in-a-generation opportunity possible and recognises the contribution Emmanuel House has made to Nottingham over the last five decades.”
The building purchase provides Emmanuel House with a stable foundation from which to strengthen services, invest in its facilities, and continue creating welcoming spaces where people can find support, connection, belonging and hope. With the security of a permanent home, the charity can plan confidently for the future and continue responding to the changing needs of Nottingham’s communities.
Throughout the event, speakers reflected on the thousands of lives touched by Emmanuel House over the past 50 years and paid tribute to the volunteers, staff, supporters and partners whose commitment has enabled the charity to become a valued part of Nottingham’s social fabric.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said in her speech:
“Emmanuel House has been a lifeline for so many people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Every day, your staff and your volunteers go above and beyond, providing not just practical help, but compassion, respect and a sense of belonging…”
“I hope that today’s celebration marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of an even stronger partnership. I look forward to our relationship continuing to go from strength to strength as we work together to tackle homelessness and improve lives across our city.”
As Emmanuel House enters its next chapter, the charity remains committed to working with partners across Nottingham to build stronger communities, prevent homelessness, and ensure that people facing hardship can access the support they need to thrive. Owning its home provides a foundation for the next 50 years of community impact.
