Leading Youth Charity YMCA Launches Vision to Double Its Housing Offer by Creating 10,000 New Homes

MPs gathered in Parliament to support the launch of YMCA’s #BuildingFutures campaign, marking a bold ambition to create 10,000 homes for young people and confront the housing crisis that is holding an entire generation back.

The parliamentary launch coincides with the publication of new polling research commissioned by YMCA, revealing the scale of the challenge facing young renters across England and Wales:

• 29% struggle to raise the five-week upfront deposit needed to secure a home
• 63% have had to borrow money simply to pay their rent
• 17% were forced to move in the last three years because their rent became unaffordable
• 60% say housing costs have stopped them taking the next step in life — including work, education or independence
• 44% of those planning to move say affordability is the single biggest barrier

At the heart of today’s parliamentary reception is a new exhibition amplifying the voices of young people helped by YMCA’s housing support, sharing first-hand stories of insecurity, resilience and what a stable home makes possible.

YMCA England & Wales is already the largest charitable provider of supported housing for young people, supporting more than 20,000 young people every year and providing over 10,000 homes rooted in local communities. But demand continues to far outstrip supply, leaving thousands of young people with nowhere to move on to.

Katie, a young person supported by YMCA Milton Keynes, shared:

“I was asked to leave with no notice. I managed to stay with a friend, but I constantly felt like I was outstaying my welcome. It was an incredibly stressful period, and my mental health suffered. That was when my GP referred me to YMCA.

“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 is so special. I now have a one-bedroom flat with a balcony, and it’s perfect for me.”

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales, said:

“It’s hard to become someone when you don’t have somewhere.

“Young people are being locked out of safe, secure and affordable housing, and the consequences reach far beyond homelessness. This is about education, work, mental health and long-term stability.

“Operating in more than 700 local communities, we see the impact this has on young people’s lives, and we have the experience and ambition to change it.

“YMCA is ready to deliver 10,000 new homes for young people, but we need government to help unlock land, funding, and reform the systems that are currently holding back progress that is needed urgently.”

To support the launch of its #BuildingFutures campaign, YMCA is calling on government to:

• Unlock land through upfront acquisition funding for genuinely affordable housing
• Strengthen planning capacity to fast-track affordable schemes
• Explicitly recognise young people in housing needs assessments
• Simplify and increase flexibility in Homes England and Affordable Homes Programme funding

The parliamentary launch brings together MPs, young people, sector partners and funders, highlighting the growing cross-party recognition that the youth housing crisis can no longer be ignored.

YMCA is primed to be part of the solution, and is urging MPs to become Affordable Housing Champions, backing local projects and helping ensure national housing reform works for young people now — not just in the future.

Katie, a young person supported by YMCA Milton Keynes, concludes with:

“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.”