For any teenager, experiencing family breakdown is one of the most challenging life experiences that they could ever face. However, the risk of homelessness for 16-18 year olds leaves them with an even more daunting prospect during the COVID-19 outbreak, as many teenagers are left wondering what will happen and where they will go.
Since the outbreak hit the UK, YMCA Open Door has been helping over 50 young people across the Black Country who have found themselves in the precarious position. The Open Door project has been placing young people at risk of Homelessness with Host families for over 10 years, but at this particular time, there is even more need for more Hosts – people who have a spare room within their house and a caring heart.
Rachael Taylor, Project Manager, said: “Many people do not realise the challenges for young people at risk of homelessness during this pandemic. Apart from the concern of where they may end up from night to night, it is a huge challenge going through family breakdown at their age and being socially isolated from the rest of your friends, family and community”.
In this challenging time, we are appealing to the goodwill of people who have a spare room and a caring heart to consider also providing a safe place for a vulnerable young person.
Our Hosts receive over £100pw whilst a young person is staying with them and they can decide to take the young person on Supported Lodgings (a longer term arrangement which can last up to two years, or short-term Emergency Nightstop which usually last a few days or at the most a few weeks.
Please get in touch with us if you can help and find out about our next online training. You can speak to Jonathan, our Host Coordinator, on 0121 524 3255 to find out more or e-mail opendoor@ymcabc.org.uk