Emmaus (French: Emmaüs, pronounced [e.ma.ys]) is an international solidarity movement founded in Paris in 1949 by Catholic priest and Capuchin friar Abbé Pierre to combat poverty and homelessness.

The biblical story, found in the Gospel of Luke, describes how two men saw the resurrected Jesus on the road to the town of Emmaus, and so regained hope.

Georges, a former convict who had attempted suicide in the Seine, helped to build temporary homes for those in need (initially in the priest's own garden), and then on any land they could obtain.

While Emaús was created by a catholic priest, the intention behind it was to be a movement open to those of all nationalities and ethnic origins, without any distinction to separate individuals, ignoring any political convictions, spiritual or religious of those seeking help.

The priest was rebuffed by his Church for begging at restaurants and so organised 'rag pickers' to collect unwanted items for resale.

In 1969, in Bern, Switzerland, 60 groups of people from 20 countries adopted the Universal Manifesto of the Emaús movement, deciding to create a general international secretary.

The preamble of the organisation's manifesto states: Our name, Emaús, is one of a Palestinian city where those who were desperate found hope ahain.

The charity provides formerly homeless people with a home and work, usually collecting, sorting and reselling donated furniture and household goods.