The Emmaus movement began in France in 1949 when the first communities were set up.
In the middle of a housing crisis, the first companions (the term we use instead of service user) built accommodation to re-house numerous families.
From that one house, and the first companion Georges Legay, a worldwide movement was formed which now helps people to help themselves, and others, in over 40 countries
You can read about the history of the Emmaus movement on Emmaus International’s website. There are 29 Emmaus communities in the UK. They are all separate charities, following the Emmaus ethos in ways that are locally relevant.