YMCA Black Country Group aims to recruit “25 Hosts over 25 Weeks” in a campaign to provide more accommodation for homeless teenagers across the Black Country.
YMCA Open Door has been providing accommodation for homeless teenagers across the Black Country and Staffordshire Shropshire for 5 years. Every night, YMCA Open Door provides over 1000 nights of accommodation and despite having more than 80 caring people willing to open their home to a vulnerable teenager at any time, the need for Hosts is urgent.
YMCA Black Country Group are launching a campaign to recruit “25 Hosts in 25 Weeks” in order to meet the growing demand for accommodation. The Open Door project works with people in the local community, who have opened their homes to welcome a homeless teenager. Open Door Hosts provide more than just a room for these young people; they offer a family environment, teaching practical skills to help them on the road to independence.
Nathan Adams, Open Door Project Manager explains,
“We have so many fantastic Hosts working with us at the moment, but we’re constantly getting referrals from the council and social services. We don’t want to be turning homeless teenagers away, so through the “25 in 25” campaign, YMCA aims to recruit at least 25 more people to come forward and join the project as Hosts in the run up to Christmas. Homelessness doesn’t stop, just because it’s Christmas; nor do our Hosts. At a time that’s so focused on family, it’s more crucial than ever that we can ensure teenagers in our area don’t have to spend the festive season alone on the streets, in the cold.”
Anyone interested in knowing more about the project and how they can get involved should contact Host Co-ordinator, Rachael Taylor on 0121 524 1974
