HOMELESS people in East Lancashire could be offered the chance of a new start through an initiative just launched.

The Emmaus Lancashire project aims to build a community which would offer shelter and useful work to homeless people.

The community would be based in Preston but would take people from across the county.

It would accommodate up to 25 within two years of opening and 40 within four years.

Businesspeople and religious leaders are backing the scheme, including the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, and the chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosques, Moulana Ahmed Sidat.

Emmaus spokesman Ian Wells said: "There are many homeless people in Lancashire. Night shelters help them get off the streets for a night or so but then they return to the streets. "How can a homeless person rebuild their life, find self-respect, be able to look for a job, without a permanent address?"

Emmaus residents would refurbish furniture and domestic appliances in return for full board, toiletries and a small weekly allowance.

The project aims to be self-funding within two years, but an appeal has been launched for the £20,000 needed to get the project started.

Up to £750,000 will be needed eventually and an application for cash from the National Lottery Charities Board is being put together.

A three to six acres site in a semi-rural area, is being sought and volunteers are needed to support the project.

Mr Wells said Preston was the preferred location because many homeless people passed through the town on their way to or from other urban areas, like Blackburn and Lancaster.

Mr Wells said: "People become homeless for many reasons, often for factors beyond their control.

"With a little help, many can rebuild their lives and restore their personal confidence so they can become useful citizens once again."

Donations can be sent to Paul Fingleton, Thornton, Harper and Relph (Chartered Accountants), 166 Garstang Road, Preston PR2 4NB. Cheques payable to EMMAUS UK.

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