The founder of a homelessness charity has been shortlisted for a national lifetime achievement award.
Tim Brooke, trustee and founder of Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire, has been put forward for a Housing Heroes Award in the ‘Lifetime achievement in housing’ category.
Since 1992, Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire has supported more than 1,000 formerly homeless people. Based in the Binley area of Coventry, the charity offers accommodation, support, training and meaningful work in a community setting.
Local resident Tim’s work began 28 years ago when the Coventry Council of Churches decided to do something to tackle growing homelessness in the area. Having witnessed the effectiveness of French charity Emmaus years before, he worked with them to gather like-minded volunteers and together they set up the second Emmaus in the UK.
Emmaus is an international movement helping those in need across the world; there are now 29 communities across the UK.
Tim Brooke has remained a driving force behind the charity, voluntarily undertaking the roles of Chair, trustee and advisor.
Speaking about the nomination, he said: “I was shocked but pleased when I heard the news. It’s great that the value of our charity is being recognised in this way.
“I believe so strongly that Emmaus is doing it right; we don’t just offer a bed for the night but a reason to get out of it each morning.
“We’re going to celebrate with a socially-distanced barbeque for everyone involved with the charity.”
Chair of Emmaus UK and Trustee of Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire Susan Taylor said: “Tim Brooke is an unsung Coventry hero. His passion and determination is infectious, yet he is unassuming and prefers a low profile. Although Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire is a small independent charity, it has been the lifeline to thousands of socially excluded and formerly homeless people over many years.
“Tim has given a substantial part of his life to Emmaus and we’re extremely proud that his work is being acknowledged in this way.”
The Housing Heroes Awards 2020 will take place at an online awards ceremony on Thursday 10 September as part of ‘Housing 2020: The Virtual Festival.’
To find out more about Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire visit www.emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire
For more about the national Housing Heroes Awards visit www.housingheroesawards.co.uk
