Dear Prime Minister,

My name is Katie. Growing up, all I wanted was a space of my own. Somewhere that was peaceful without chaos. Somewhere that allowed me to build for my future. It has taken time but now I feel like I have that space. 

I now live in one of YMCA’s affordable homes. I love the home and independence it gives me. It’s stable, reasonably priced and long-term – and that means everything. Coming back from work to a peaceful place fills me with joy and having my own space has also helped me massively with my mental health.

Unfortunately, the truth is not every young person has a safe place to call their own. YMCA’s affordable housing scheme has given me the foundation to plan ahead and build for my future. Without it, I would struggle to afford the high rents of the private rented sector in my local community and would have little chance of saving for a deposit. I know I am not alone in that.

We urgently need more affordable homes for young people and change can’t wait. There is no more time for broken promises, it’s time to put words into action. 

That’s why I am backing YMCA’s vision to deliver 10,000 new genuinely affordable and supported homes for young people. It’s a bold ambition but is desperately needed so more young people can have spaces like mine. A space to feel safe. A space to belong. A space to build their future from. 

Prime Minister, I hope you will join me in backing YMCA’s vision and make sure no young person is left without a home, or a future.

Yours sincerley,

Katie