Building Futures: Behind Doors
Building Futures: Behind Doors
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. The housing crisis is real. Young people feel it, and we see the impact so we’re doing something about it.
Building Futures is our movement to create 10,000 genuinely affordable and supported homes for young people. We’re fighting to end the cycle of homelessness. With your support we can make it happen.
Read about the lives behind doors we’ve helped unlock for young people to find home.
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YMCA supports 20,000+ young people a year through our housing.
Join us and help make sure no young person is left without a home, or a future.
Katie, 20 Milton Keynes
“Growing up, all I wanted was a space of my own – somewhere calm, without chaos. Somewhere I felt I belonged. My home at the time was the opposite. YMCA supported me with a place of my own. I knew it wasn’t permanent, but over time I began to rebuild my confidence. After a few months, I felt ready to move on, knowing I wanted something more stable and long term. That’s what makes YMCA’s move-on accommodation so special. I now have a one-bedroom flat with a balcony, and it’s perfect for me.
The home I have now means everything. Coming back from work to a peaceful place fills me with joy. Having my own space has also helped me rebuild my relationship with my mum and has made a huge difference to my mental health. I’m excited about the future and hope to save for a home of my own one day.”
Katie, Resident
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Together, we can help end the youth housing crisis.
YMCA is committed to making this mission a reality. But we can’t do it alone.
Kieran, 23 Crewe
“The last few years have been tough. I ended up sofa surfing before the council moved me into a hotel. Living in a hotel might sound nice, but every day I had to pack up my belongings because I never knew when I would be moved on. That level of instability was overwhelming – I never knew where I was going to end up.
Before moving into my YMCA flat, I was nervous and scared. Living on my own for the first time was hard, and I constantly worried that I might be asked to leave at any moment. But those fears have disappeared. My new home makes me feel safe. I can play video games when I want, and now have two budgies who keep me company. I’m developing the skills I need to live independently and am studying for a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training. The support I’ve received from YMCA has made a huge difference.”
Kieran, Resident
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Behind every door is a story.
Behind every key is a future waiting to begin.
Shantisha, 22 Heart of England
“Growing up, home meant comfort – a safe space where I felt cared for. Living at YMCA feels the same. It has been a real blessing and has given me the chance to truly create a space of my own. I’ve put time and care into decorating, so it genuinely feels like home.
Alongside having my own space, I’ve also received fantastic support from staff to get ready for me to move on. I’ve been given opportunities that have helped me build skills and confidence to progress in life.
Once I finish my studies, I plan to move on from YMCA, although I do worry about finding a stable home. Having a safe space like YMCA has shown me just how important secure, supportive housing really is.”
Shantisha, Resident
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It’s time to put words into action. No young person should be left without a home — or a future.
With the right partnerships, policy reform and investment, we can turn ambition into action. #BuildingFutures
Victor, 31 West Midlands
“I lived in a house share for a couple of years. It was an old property and was very cold. There was a lot of damp and mould too. I knew I wanted to move. I looked at flats in Birmingham but they were so expensive. That is when I found about YMCA.
Moving into my current home was super quick. I was able to move in within a week. My flat is really modern, and within my budget. As I don’t have any family in Wolverhampton, I am glad that there were other people my age in the block and that the staff put on events so we could meet each other and make new friends. It felt like a community.
I feel safe and happy here. I like that everything is so close by, I haven’t had to buy a car which helps me to save money. Since having a promotion at work, I’m able to save money to put aside for a house deposit in the future.
I am so fortunately to have found somewhere that is as nice as the YMCA. A higher rent would make it difficult for me to be able to continue saving.”
Victor, Resident
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From crisis to confidence.
YMCA housing gives young people the chance to rebuild and believe in their future.
Martin, 30 London
“Growing up, home was a safe and happy place where my family spent time together and I felt a strong sense of belonging. My childhood home always smelt of clean washing, and that scent still reminds me of what home means to me. Sadly, as an adult my mental health declined and I began self-medicating with drugs, which eventually led to homelessness. Living in London, there were very few housing options available, and the private rented sector was completely unaffordable.
After a period of sofa surfing and a short time sleeping rough, I was referred to a YMCA-run night shelter and then into YMCA supported housing. This wasn’t just somewhere to live – it gave me the stability I needed to start rebuilding my life. Before long, I was ready to move on. However, with high rents and the need for a large upfront deposit, moving on felt out of reach while I wasn’t working. Fortunately, YMCA had affordable homes of their own, and I was able to move into one.
The process was straightforward, and moving in was a moment of real pride. The flat is perfect. I have a double bed – something I never imagined after sleeping in a sleeping bag at a night shelter. I have independence. I can come home and wash my clothes whenever I want, bringing back that familiar smell of clean washing from my childhood. I feel incredibly happy and relieved to have somewhere safe to call home. I just wish everyone had the same opportunity.”
Martin, Resident
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It’s hard to become someone, when you don’t have somewhere.