Street Support West Midlands is proud to spotlight the urgent call from YMCA Black Country for host families to provide safe accommodation for vulnerable young people. This initiative aims to address a critical shortage in the area, offering a lifeline to individuals aged 18 to 25 who cannot live with their families.
Supporting Young People in the Black Country
YMCA Black Country’s Open Door scheme invites individuals, couples, and families across the Black Country boroughs to open their homes and hearts. The greatest need is in Walsall, where the shortfall in host accommodation is most acute.
The Open Door project provides young people without a safe home the stability and guidance they need to continue their education, secure employment, or access essential services. This support is akin to temporary fostering, with young adults receiving comprehensive assistance from the world’s largest and oldest charity dedicated to young people and their communities. This helps them gain the confidence and skills necessary for independence.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Many young adults in the Black Country face challenges such as bereavement, overcrowding, family breakdown, or risk of abuse.
Robyn Williamson, aged 24, is one such individual who has benefited from the scheme. Staying with host Anne Russell in Walsall, Robyn shared: “I had become homeless and was quite apprehensive at the thought of moving into someone else’s home, which was daunting. Anne understood that because I was older I have life skills but if I needed any additional support she was there for me.
“She has helped me get access to services to organise my finances and access healthcare. I turn 25 this year and am looking forward to having my own place. I love living with Anne and have still got good relations with my family but I am so grateful to my host and the support workers at the YMCA for helping me prepare for the future.”
A Call to Action
Anne, who has hosted five young people through the Open Door project over 18 months, encourages others to consider becoming hosts: “I had been looking at fostering and was mentoring a young person when I became aware of the opportunity to host a young adult.
“I have two teenagers and I had been through a turbulent time at that age, which meant I moved out of home, so I wanted to give something back. I took to it like a duck to water.
“I like knowing that you are helping them with a place to stay which may help them have a more stable home life in the future. To anyone considering it I would say go for it and do the training to see how you can make someone feel wanted, giving them the confidence to learn new skills, which has given me a sense of achievement.”
The Need for Hosts
Stanley Ifamene, Open Door Project Manager at YMCA Black Country, emphasises the urgent need for hosts: “There is a need for hosts to join the Open Door scheme across the Black Country, with Walsall having the greatest need so we hope that as the winter months arrive people will reach out to help.
“Young people unable to live at home can be extremely vulnerable even if they appear confident and streetwise. They become isolated, lonely and lack self-esteem, missing out on educational and social opportunities that others of the same age take for granted.
“There is a perception that young adults who are homeless have issues with addictions but this is not the case. In recent years we have seen more than 50 young people benefit from a settled home life with a host to go on and get qualifications and even reach university.
“Through Open Door we have professionals working with young people to ensure they are helped at each stage, whether it is a short-term stop of one night or a longer-term lodging. Hosts receive financial support towards food and other household bills and can benefit from knowing they are making a positive difference.”
Celebrating Milestones and Services
In 2024, YMCA celebrated its 180th anniversary. The Black Country charity, which has been operating since 1888, marked this milestone with a series of summer events.
Today, YMCA provides a range of services across the Black Country, including childcare, housing for young workers, supported accommodation, employability, health, and social enterprise projects.
For more information on YMCA Black Country Open Door, visit: www.ymcabc.org.uk/services/housing/open-door/
About YMCA Black Country Group
YMCA is the largest and oldest charity working with young people and their communities in the world. YMCA Black Country Group is an independent local charity, affiliated with the wider YMCA Federation in England & Wales, and the global YMCA family.
Across the Black Country and border areas, thousands of young people need their help. YMCA Black Country provide a broad range of services, thinking not just of ‘youth’ but also of ‘community’. Their work extends to people of all ages, faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.