Nottinghamshire YMCA’s hostel services in Goole are set to benefit from significant funding awarded by the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors (RICS).
Tackling youth homelessness
Thanks to the RICS Pledge150 campaign, launched in partnership with LandAid as part of RICS’ 150th anniversary, Goole YMCA (part of Nottinghamshire YMCA) has been granted £51,600 to renovate the charity’s 19-bed hostel for young homeless people in Goole, East Yorkshire.
A significant portion of the funding will go towards a conversion of the hostel’s house to support three additional bed spaces. As homelessness continues to rise nationally, these additional beds will provide critical support for young people in desperate need of support.
“We are all so grateful for this incredibly generous grant which has enabled us to plan a full renovation of the hostel’s living accommodation and welcome communal areas,” explained Julie McLaughlin, Manager at Goole YMCA.
“For many of our young residents, having a safe, warm and dry living space is a luxury and not something that can be taken for granted. RICS has given us a hugely valued opportunity to develop our facilities and make a significant difference to the lives of young people who come through our doors in urgent need of support.”
Making a positive difference
The unique housing project by RICS aims to deliver at least 150 bed spaces for young homeless people across the UK by December 2018. The funding campaign not only works to create safe and secure living conditions, but also helps organisations deliver the support individuals need to lead an independent life for a brighter future.
Matthew Howell, RICS Managing Director at UK and Ireland, explained: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our Pledge150 campaign. We’re delighted that Pledge150 funds raised during the first quarter of the year will be going towards helping such a worthy cause and housing scheme, which will give young homeless people the fresh start they deserve.
“My sincerest thank you to all the property firms and professionals who have gone above and beyond with their fundraising efforts to help make such a positive difference.”
‘A safe, warm place to live’
Paul Morrish, Chief Executive at LandAid, added: “The RICS Pledge150 campaign is making a life-changing impact across the UK, and Nottinghamshire YMCA’s hostel is an excellent example of this. Thanks to RICS, we’re proud to be funding the renovation and conversion of this hostel, creating a safe, warm place to live for homeless young people in Goole. The accommodation and support these young people will receive will be vital in helping them live successful, independent lives where they can fulfil their potential.”
With so many of Goole YMCA’s young residents experiencing a range of complex emotional and practical challenges while sleeping rough on the streets, the charity often does so much more than provide safe accommodation. Staff also deliver specialist support to ensure residents are equipped with the basic life skills needed to lead a healthy and independent life in their community.
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William, a young person who has been helped by the charity, said: “The move to supported accommodation at Goole YMCA was the start of my new life. The staff are helping me a lot and, if it wasn’t for them, I would still be an addict and I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I have now.”
To support this worthwhile cause or refer yourself/someone else to the charity’s housing services, please visit Nottinghamshire YMCA’s housing webpage.
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