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 England & Wales’s national #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:

• 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 yesterday’s (Monday 26 January) parliamentary reception was 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.

One of those was Katie, a young person supported by YMCA Milton Keynes. She said:

“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 Milton Keynes supported me with a place of my own. Over time I began to rebuild my confidence. After a few months, I felt ready to move on, knowing I wanted something long-term. That’s what makes YMCA Milton Keynes’ move-on accommodation so special. I now have a one-bedroom flat with a balcony, and it’s perfect for me.”

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP and Vice Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness, said:

“If I could I’d have 10,000 new homes in Milton Keynes alone for young people. Too many people move out of Milton Keynes because it’s unaffordable but young people are at the heart of the dynamic society and culture of our area. When you have that part of the population only focused on where they live and survival, how are they supposed to flourish? We work with amazing young people. Whether they’re going to be dog walkers, fashion designers or plumbers, these are their dreams.  If they don’t have a safe and affordable place to call home, they can’t live and achieve those dreams.”

Simon Green, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire, 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.

“Young people who are leaving home for the first time, who are dealing with family breakdown, who are leaving care or who have experienced homelessness need access to good quality, affordable housing in their local community. YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire have the local knowledge and connections to be the housing provider of choice for local young people in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

“We are ready to play our part in the #BuildingFutures campaign to combat the housing crisis and give all young people a safe place to call home, alongside supporting, engaging and inspiring them to reach their full potential.”

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, added:

“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.”