Partnership unlocks empty homes for young people

A housing partnership is bringing empty properties back into use to support young people facing homelessness into independent living.

One YMCA and YMCA London City and North  have joined forces with Co-op and LandAid to create accommodation for young people aged 16 to 25 who are ready to move on from supported housing.

The project will bring four residential properties within Co-op’s estate, including homes above shops, back into use.

Co-op is providing the properties on a ten-year lease, including a five-year rent-free period, helping make the scheme financially sustainable.

The homes have undergone significant refurbishment to improve standards and turn underused communal space into additional bedrooms.

LandAid, the property industry charity, has provided a £120,000 grant towards refurbishment costs, with YMCA funding the remaining capital works.

The completed flats are now ready to welcome young people who require only low levels of ongoing support.

Officials say the partnership shows how underused property assets can be unlocked through cross-sector collaboration to create practical local solutions at a time of continued pressure on affordable housing.

Gareth Pettit, head of strategic programmes at LandAid, said: “This project shows what’s possible when the property industry steps up and works in partnership to tackle youth homelessness head on. 

“By bringing Co-op’s underused properties together with the expertise of One YMCA, we’re turning empty spaces into safe, stable, affordable homes for young people who are ready to move on from supported accommodation, step into independence, and fulfil their potential.

“At LandAid, we bring together the relationships, insight and funding needed to make projects like this happen, working alongside our charity partners to deliver practical solutions where they’re needed most. 

“At a time when too many young people are being locked out of housing, this kind of collaboration isn’t just valuable, it’s essential.”

Heather Thomas, property and sustainability director at Co-op, added: “This partnership shows how Co-op plays a practical role in supporting young people and communities. 

“We’re committed to creating opportunities for young people on behalf of our members. 

“By bringing homes within our estate into use, we’re helping to create stable places for people to live while working with trusted partners to provide the support they need. 

“We hope these homes provide a stable and positive place for young people to take the next step.”

The scheme forms part of YMCA’s Dynamic Pathway to Independence, which helps young people facing disadvantage develop the skills, habits and confidence needed to live independently.

Guy Foxell, chief executive of One YMCA, said: “The lack of affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing young people today, and this project shows what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared commitment to social impact. 

“Working closely with Co-op and LandAid has allowed us to maximise impact, share expertise and turn empty properties into real homes for young people. 

“Crucially, this partnership also creates a platform for the future – from bringing more empty homes back into use to developing training, education and employment opportunities that help young people move forward with confidence and independence. 

“We look forward to building on this collaboration and exploring further partnership opportunities that can deliver even greater impact for young people.”

Dr Gillian Bowen, chief executive of YMCA London CAN, added: “Too many young people in London are being priced out of the city they call home. 

“When young people experiencing homelessness are forced to leave London, they lose vital connections to family, friends, work and education. 

“Creating genuinely affordable homes within the city allows young people to remain rooted in their communities, rebuild stability and move towards independence. 

“At YMCA London CAN, we see that place‑based housing is essential to tackling youth homelessness and enabling young people not just to survive, but to thrive.”

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