YMCA Cornwall Raises £157,000 Towards Housing Campaign for Young People

YMCA Cornwall has raised more than £157,000 towards its Your Help, Their Future housing campaign, which aims to create new homes for young people at risk of homelessness.

Building Brighter Futures

The campaign began with a £70,000 donation from The Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation, providing the foundation for building four self-contained flats for vulnerable young people.

YMCA Cornwall currently supports 50 young people who were homeless or at risk, with a further 46 on the waiting list.

Helen Wilson-Prowse, Head of Operations, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support received so far. While we have a way to go to reach the £250,000 target, the funds raised mean we can continue with work on site.

The aim is to have one flat completed and occupied by a young person from our waiting list in January. We will also be making great headway on the other three builds and are currently working with suppliers to get the best value for money and are keen to hear from trades who might like to be involved in the project.”

Helen added:

“Our fundraising activities include various events which also help to raise awareness of the important work we do.”

Events and Fundraising

Recent fundraising activities have helped boost the campaign, including a Will Keating & Friends concert that raised £1,653.25, and an Open Day held in August that brought in just over £1,300.

Upcoming events include a Silent Auction, running until 17th November, where supporters can bid online or in person on experiences such as overnight stays, adventure activities, and boat trips. Full details are available at ymcacornwall.org.

A Winter concert featuring Rhys – The Night Pianist will take place at St Buryan Church on 5th December, with tickets available online or at YMCA Cornwall’s reception.

Donations to the campaign can be made at ymcacornwall.org.

About YMCA Cornwall

Based in Penzance, but supporting young people across Cornwall, YMCA Cornwall provides safe accommodation, education, and personal development opportunities to help build brighter futures.

The organisation is part of the global YMCA movement, one of the world’s oldest and largest youth-focused charities.

The Your Help, Their Future campaign will add four new self-contained flats to help meet the urgent need for safe housing in Cornwall. Some of those on the waiting list are under 18, highlighting the importance of the work being done to give young people the stability they need to thrive.