Recently, our Director of Youth Services, Josh Towers, sat down with Solent TV to discuss YMCA England and Wales new #BuildingFutures campaign. This campaign has introduced YMCA’s initiative to build 10,000 new homes for young people across the UK by 2030.
“Introducing 10,000 new homes across the UK introduces 10,000 pathways out of supported accommodation or temporary living arrangements, or even out of homelessness.”
How is the lack of affordable housing putting young people at risk in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight?
“Without stability, everything else goes out of kilter.”
The new initiative provides more than housing, it provides stability for young people who may not have had it before. Without stable housing, everything else can start to fall apart. When young people don’t have a safe, secure place to live, it affects their education. From there, it can impact their chances of employment and increase their likelihood of youth offending, making the transition into adulthood much more difficult.
How can 10,000 new homes support young people at risk of homelessness?
Their ready to live independently and move on, and that move on accommodation isn’t available.
At YMCA Fairthorne Group, we have supported housing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Recent data has showed us that across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there is approximately 7500 young individuals and families without access to affordable housing. This demonstrates to us that the demand is there, but the supply of housing is not keeping up with the pace that accessible housing is needed.
Building 10,000 new homes will provide vital housing locally and nationally, and will allow young people to move on from supported accommodation, into a home where they can thrive and belong.
YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking support to achieve this ambitious goal. If you would like to support in any way, get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
