For ten years Peter Riches has been a Trustees of the homeless persons charity, Emmaus Colchester. His role has been to assist in the development of a housing community for homeless people in Colchester. A new community building providing a for 20 people has been completed and opened on a site in Magdelen Street, adjoining the YMCA Foyer. Funding for the development has been provided by the Housing Corporation (supported by CBC), EEDA, Emmaus' furniture warehouse in Arthur Street and a number of private donors. The residents (Companions) fund their accommodation costs by working in the Emmaus furniture recycling business in Arthur Street