Emmanuel House Support Centre, one of Nottingham’s longest-standing homelessness charities, has launched an urgent public appeal to raise £75,000 needed by the end of March to secure its building on Goose Gate in Nottingham city centre.
For 50 years, Emmanuel House has provided safety, dignity, and essential support for people who are homeless, rough sleeping, in crisis, or vulnerable. Nottingham City Council has offered the charity the once-in-a-generation opportunity to purchase the building outright, securing its future and protecting services for decades to come.
The total cost of the purchase is £535,000, and thanks to remarkable generosity from early supporters and the use of its reserves, Emmanuel House has already secured around £460,000. The charity is now calling on the wider public to help close the final funding gap.
Every single donation matters, no matter the size.
Emmanuel House stresses that this final push is a community effort and that the appeal is not just for major donors.
Nicola Ramsdale, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, says: “This is one of the most significant moments in our 50-year history in the city.
“We deeply value every donation, large or small. A gift of £5, £10, or £20 is just as meaningful to us as a major contribution and will help us reach our final £75k target. A wave of small acts of kindness can carry us over the finish line.”
Isabella Harriss, CEO, adds: “We are extremely grateful to Nottingham City Council for their long-standing support and for the trust they have placed in us through this offer.
“This building has long been at the heart of our work and our presence in the city. Owning our home will give Emmanuel House stability, resilience, and the freedom to plan confidently for the future, ensuring that our services can continue to respond to the changing needs of our community.
“Through our values of kindness, compassion, and love, combined with professional expertise and trusted services, we provide not just help in a crisis, but the relationships and community people need to survive, rebuild, and ultimately flourish.”
Owning the building will protect the future of thousands of people who rely on Emmanuel House each year.
Last year alone, they had 25,000 visits from people needing support – more than three times as many as they did two years ago.
The centre provided 17,000 meals, 3,000 sets of clothes, 2,700 hot showers, and 550 haircuts. Demand for the service is at a record high, reflecting growing economic hardship and rising homelessness in the city.
How the public can help
Emmanuel House is inviting everyone in Nottingham, and anyone connected to the city, to take part in the final stage of this historic appeal. Donations will go directly towards the purchase and development of the building on Goose Gate.
People can support by:
Donating any amount, no matter how small. Adding Gift Aid to a donation will increase it by 25%.
Sharing the appeal with friends, family, colleagues, and on social media.
Organising a small fundraiser, such as a cake sale, sponsored challenge, or office collection.
With just £75,000 left to raise before the end of March, every pound brings the charity closer to securing its home, strengthening Nottingham’s homelessness prevention and recovery work, and protecting vital support for vulnerable people for the next 50 years.
Donate or learn more
Visit: www.emmanuelhouse.org.uk
Contact: Nicola Ramsdale – Marketing and Fundraising Manager, 0115 950 7140
Email: donations@emmanuelhouse.org.uk
