First and foremost Emmaus Bolton is about people, as individuals. About accepting everyone as equal. Emmaus attempts to create a comfortable home environment. And secondly, Emmaus provides a place of 'work' for those who choose to live at Derby Barracks. Emmaus Communities are independent of any religious or political organisations and work towards establishing a society based on equality, dignity & justice.

Each Emmaus Community is set up as an independent business company and registered charity, which is affiliated to Emmaus UK and Emmaus International. The projects are expected to pay their own way within three to four years. The Community receives most of its income from the sale of goods that are donated as well as other business activities, with the remainder coming from accommodation charges. The residents are able to claim housing benefit to meet this cost, other than this, no state benefit is claimed.