New flats for young people a 'drop in the ocean'

2 hours ago

News image — Head of operations Helen Wilson-Prowse said the charity "smashed its target"

BBC A woman standing next to a sign which looks like a lollipop - it says at the top 'Your Help, Their Future' and a £250,000 target. The pole can be seen from £180,000 and goes up in £10,000 increments until it reaches target. — Head of operations Helen Wilson-Prowse said the charity "smashed its target"

The creation of four new flats to house young people in Cornwall is only a "slight drop in the ocean" of what is needed, a charity boss has said.

YMCA Cornwall raised £260,000 in nine months for its appeal to build the self-contained homes for young people at risk of homelessness.

Head of operations Helen Wilson-Prowse said the charity "smashed its target" but stressed "the need is great" across the county, with 46 young people currently on its waiting list.

According to a Cornwall Council report, the county is experiencing a housing crisis with surging rents and demand for affordable homes "far exceeding supply".

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YMCA Cornwall said it had completed one of the builds and was making "great headway" on the other three.

They would be used to provide accommodation to people aged 16 to 24 and residents would be able to stay for up to two years while they worked towards independent living, said the charity.

Wilson-Prowse said it was "a slight drop in the ocean in terms of expanding our offer, but it is our first step to growing the provision in Cornwall which is so desperately needed".

"The need is urgent - looking at the housing situation for everybody across Cornwall. It is very challenging, but particularly for young people."

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