Homelessness cannot be solved by one single solution or approach, however, in response to COVID, One YMCA identified a unique opportunity to innovate and adapt at a phenomenal pace through their ‘Dynamic Pathway to Independence’.
The pathway consists of five distinct services, each with a different specialism and level of support delivered in psychologically informed living environments (PiE). Working with various local authority partners, MHCLG and Homes England, One YMCA secured £2.76 million in funding to develop almost 150 new units of accommodation during COVID.
All new units form part of the pathway and are specifically designed to meet the distinct support needs and level of independence applicable for residents at that stage of their journey. This allows for delivery of the right support at the right time to ensure each resident can belong, contribute and thrive as they progress towards independence.
One YMCA completed extensive work with specialist consultants to design this PiE led approach in order to create a living environment that complements and enhances their support, which has previously seen entrenched rough sleepers (street homeless for 5-10 years) maintain tenancies for 12+ months.
The Dynamic Pathway to Independence has now become a recognisable and scalable model, with commissioners from other counties actively requesting and funding specific stages of it for their own areas.