XV — Emmaüs
Chapitre XV
CASE STUDY: EMMAUS COMMUNITIES
Emmaus, founded by Abbé Pierre in 1949, is a movement of work communities self-funded through collection and recycling [194]. Present in 37 countries, it counts more than 400 structures welcoming excluded people.
15.1 — What Worked
Self-funding through work. Emmaus communities live from the collection, sorting, and resale of second-hand items [197]. No recurring operating subsidy. The economic model has worked for 75 years.
Unconditional welcome. Emmaus welcomes whoever knocks at the door: ex-prisoners, drug addicts, migrants, people in family breakdown [196]. No selection, no file, no delay. The trial is immediate.
Dignity through work. The “companion” is not an aid recipient. They work, contribute, and receive a modest allowance in exchange. The relationship is not assistential.
Diversity of rules. Each community adapts its operation: some are strict (no alcohol), others flexible. This diversity allows everyone to find a suitable structure.
Insertion toward the outside. Many companions leave Emmaus to resume autonomous life. The community is a step, not an end.
15.2 — What Is Problematic
Dependence on founding charisma. Abbé Pierre’s death (2007) and posthumous revelations about his private life weakened the movement [195]. The “Emmaus” brand rests on a figure, not a mechanism.
Fuzzy legal status of companions. Companions are neither employees nor volunteers. Their allowance (about €350/month) does not open full social rights. This hybrid status is regularly contested.
Fragile economy. Second-hand item resale faces competition from Leboncoin and Vinted. Some communities struggle to balance their books.
Concentration in France. The model remains largely French. International export is uneven.
15.3 — What We Keep from the Emmaus Model
- Self-funding through productive work: no recurring subsidy
- Unconditional welcome: no selection at entry, immediate trial
- Dignity through work: no welfare, contribution relationship
- Diversity of rules: each structure adapts its operation
- Insertion objective: the community is a step, not a prison
15.4 — What We Improve
- No dependence on a figure: ACs are structures, not movements
- Clear member status: income withholding is transparent and opens rights
- Economic diversification: not just recycling
15.5 — What We Do Not Adopt
- Charitable identity: ACs are not charitable works but productive communities
- Fuzzy member status: legal and social clarity
- Dependence on a moral brand: self-funding suffices, no need for charitable legitimacy