Emmaus is a living and working community that houses 6 to 7 people in an old building on the Prinsegracht in The Hague. Their work mainly consists of collecting and selling leftover wealth. With the profits from this sale, they provide for their own livelihood and are independent of government subsidies. Every member of the community receives board, lodging and pocket money. The group is varied. In addition to the permanent residents, they live with people who need temporary shelter.
Why sustainable?
As a second-hand shop, Emmaus enables the customers to lower their impact on the planet. They give products a second life, which results in a reduction of waste and carbon emissions. Furthermore, in partnership with several other organizations, Emmaus opens its doors for short periods on a regular basis to women who have been victim of human trafficking. Through grassroots initiatives the Emmaus organization fights for:
True climate justice, which means fair access to natural resources and people having sovereignty over resources to ensure that they are not privatized.
Civil and penal liability for states and other stakeholders who cause pollution, degradation, or rights violations.
Food sovereignty and agro-ecology, which respect the right to healthy and culturally-appropriate food, produced using sustainable methods.
Good Health and Well-Being: Through a friendly environment and the selling of second-hand items of all sorts, Emmaus promotes well-being at all ages.
Decent work and Economic Growth: It ensures the creation of wealth at a local and individual level.
Sustainable Cities and Communities: Emmaus makes cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through empowering social oriented local organizations.
