Terry Waite to visit city for homeless aid anniversary

Emmaus was founded in Cambridge in 1991 to help those who found themselves living on the streets.

Yesterday it was revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall had extended her patronage of Emmaus for a further five years.

Emmaus offers homeless men and women a home and work within a supportive community environment. Residents sign off unemployment benefits and are encouraged to commit to working in the Emmaus cafe or second-hand bookstore. Each community aims to be financially self-sufficient through this work.

Mr Waite, president of Emmaus in the UK, will be in Leeds later this month. He said: “We are all delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall has kindly agreed to remain our patron. Since 2006, Her Royal Highness has visited many of our communities across the UK and has shown real interest in the work that we do.”

The company now has branches across the UK, including a base at St Mary’s Street, in Leeds. Residents are known as companions.

Manager Ali Ward said: “When we take on a new companion they are often very insular and lacking in self-esteem but Emmaus can work wonders.”