YMCA Pilots Tackle Homeless Young

YMCA England is to launch six pilot projects examining a range of techniques to tackle youth homelessness this autumn. Communities and Local Government is funding the £450,000 scheme as part of its national youth homelessness strategy.

South London YMCA and West London YMCA will work with Lambeth Council and Harrow Council respectively to develop “host family” schemes in the community to house young people who have problems with their own families.

Winston Brown, housing options development manager at Lambeth Council, said: “The plan is to get members of the community to provide a stable home for young people.”

Chelmsford YMCA and Chelmsford Borough Council will be piloting a supported lodgings scheme. A pilot in Wakefield will work with a small group of young people, while Fylde and Wyre will focus on preventive work in schools. Hove YMCA will look at the barriers in the privately rented sector.