YMCA Statement in Response to Latest Homelessness Figures

The latest homelessness figures released today show that young people (16-24-year-olds) make up nearly one in five (18%) of those assessed as homeless or at risk of homelessness. The actual number of young people affected has increased by 6.6%, rising from 55,250 to 58,870.

These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for decisive action from the Government to tackle a growing crisis. At YMCA, we stand with the wider homelessness sector in calling for the Government to protect and renew the vital Rough Sleeping Initiative funding for homelessness services, which allows organisations like ours to provide essential support to young people and their housing needs.

Additionally, we are urging the Government to ensure that its cross-governmental strategy to end homelessness includes a dedicated chapter specifically addressing youth homelessness. Young people often experience homelessness for different reasons to older adults, and it’s critical that they receive tailored, age-appropriate support to help them overcome the challenges they face.

We believe that with the right support, every young person can be given the chance to build a stable future. It is imperative that the Government takes immediate and targeted action to ensure that no young person is left behind.

For further information, please read an open letter to the Government from 23 homelessness organisations, calling for the continuation of this vital source of funding for the sector.