News
The Duchess visits an Emmaus Community in South London
13th December 2007
The Duchess of Cornwall met previously homeless people today at an Emmaus Community in West Norwood, South London.
The Duchess of Cornwall became Patron of Emmaus UK in August 2006.
Emmaus tackles the problem of homelessness through a network of self-supporting Communities, where people are offered a home, work or a sense of belonging. Emmaus residents, known as companions, each have a room of their own and work together, refurbishing and selling donated goods.
Each Emmaus Community aims to become self-sufficient through raising income in this way. In an atmosphere of practical support, companions have an opportunity to gain new skills and regain their self-respect, while working to support other people in greater need.
This is The Duchess’s second visit to an Emmaus community - she previously visited one in Bristol. Click here to read the story.
Upon her arrival, The Duchess was greeted by Terry Waite who is President of Emmaus UK. The 25-bed facility for previously homeless people in West Norwood was opened in October.
During her tour of the facility, The Duchess chatted to residents, staff, supporters and volunteers over a cup of tea. Her Royal Highness also visited the Emmaus shop with Mr Waite.
Shop volunteer Nora Riffi, who has worked there for two years, served The Duchess when she bought some vases.
Ms Riffi said: "It was very nice. I just treated her like I do the general public. But it was special."
Terry Waite, who was held hostage in Beirut for a number of years, said Christmas can be difficult for those who are distanced from their families.
He said: "I had four Christmases totally alone in captivity and it's not very nice."
Mr Waite said he was doing a tour of Emmaus Communities to show the positive results of the charity’s work.
Mr Waite said of The Duchess: "When people meet The Duchess of Cornwall they are very, very pleasantly surprised at how relaxed she is and at how good she is at talking to ordinary people.
"She has a great interest in people, particularly in those who have experienced difficulties in life, such as homelessness."
Speaking about the visit, Mr Waite said: "Everybody was very thrilled - it was a relaxed and informal visit."
He said Emmaus helped people not only to have a bed but a reason to get out of it.
Resident Elizabeth Harrington said she was in danger of becoming homeless after her business started "drifting".
She contacted Emmaus, and said she could identify with the organisation’s ethics and principles.
Ms Harrington said The Duchess had given residents a Duchy Originals Christmas cake as a gift.
She said that it was “wonderful” that Her Royal Highness had visited as it would help to promote the work of the charity. Ms Harrington said: “There is such a crying need for that."