Denise Hatton, Chief Executive at YMCA, the largest voluntary sector provider of accommodation to young, homeless people in the country, said: “YMCA welcomes news that the Government has recognised the growing problem of rough sleeping and is investing £100m in more second-stage supported accommodation.
“Our own research shows that nine in 10 of our YMCAs have been unable to accept referrals in the past due to a lack of bed spaces while evidence also shows that rough sleeping in London among 18 to 25-year-olds is on the rise.
“It is essential, however, that any money invested is done so in the right way and at the right level to provide sustainable support. Without help to overcome mental and physical health problems and to gain meaningful employment, a roof over someone’s head is often little more than a quick fix that may not help people to truly overcome the issues that caused their rough sleeping.”
*Statistics from CHAIN report 2014/15. In total, 871 people aged 18 to 25-years-old slept rough in London 2014/15, a rise of 16% from the previous year and 40% from 2011/12.