In 2019, we awarded £50,000 towards the fitting and furnishing costs of the new facility.

Organisation

Homelessness has become a major issue in Milton Keynes over the last few years. According to Vital Signs 2019, a report published by the MK Community Foundation, one in every 117 people in Milton Keynes is homeless. This figure does not take into consideration the hidden homeless, such as those who are sofa-surfing or living in temporary accommodation.

Since it first opened its doors in 1981, YMCA Milton Keynes, an approved social housing provider, has helped more than 10,000 young people aged 18-35 through emergency accommodation and supported housing. It currently provides safe, affordable and supported accommodation to approximately 500 young people a year through its emergency hostel and flats. It also provides a range of support services, including skills-based training in partnership with Milton Keynes College and other providers to offer practical training experience and opportunities to help secure employment and improve the future life chance of its residents.

new campus project

YMCA MK were developing a new nine story campus to provide a flagship home for young people aged 18-35 in Milton Keynes, offering three stages of supported housing and a range of services. The site includes three social enterprises providing employment opportunities for residents, as well as a future sustainable income stream. At the time of application, the organisation had raised £180,000 towards a project budget of £500,000 and we awarded a grant of £50,000.