YMCA South Midlands: Ambition on Homelessness Must Now Become Lasting Action

At YMCA South Midlands, we welcome the Government’s commitment to ensure people sleeping rough can access accommodation this winter. The £442 million investment demonstrates real ambition, but lasting success will depend on how this is delivered in practice.

We know that helping people off the streets is only the first step. Long-term change requires access to secure, affordable housing alongside mental health support, employment opportunities, skills development and early intervention services.

Homelessness goes far beyond rough sleeping. In Milton Keynes alone, an estimated 2,700 people are experiencing insecure housing. Any long-term solution must address both immediate need and the factors that push people into homelessness in the first place.

We need a specific focus on young people.

Youth housing needs to be explicitly recognised within housing targets and quotas. At present, it is too often assumed that young people’s housing needs will be met through wider housing policy, when our experience shows this is not the case.

We stand ready to work with government, local authorities, housing providers and voluntary sector partners to help turn this ambition into meaningful, lasting change.

Helping people leave the streets this winter is important. Ensuring they have the support and opportunities to build a stable future is the real measure of success.