LandAid, Long Harbour, Way of Life and YMCA provide subsidised accommodation for young people.

LandAid and YMCA St Paul’s Group, a charity supporting young and vulnerable people at risk of homelessness and local communities across London, has announced an exciting new partnership in collaboration with Long Harbour and Way of Life, a specialist Build to Rent developer and operator, to provide subsidised move-on accommodation for YMCA residents in Walthamstow.

The partnership forms part of the Build to Rent Pathfinder developed by LandAid, which enables developers to allocate homes within new rental developments to charities for affordable, move on accommodation. This scheme will provide four thoughtfully designed apartments at The Eades, a newly built Long Harbour development in central Walthamstow.

The homes will support YMCA residents who are ready to move on from supported housing but face barriers accessing the private rental market. LandAid is also providing grant funding to help cover rent deposits and contribute towards furnishing and move in costs, reducing financial barriers for residents at the point of transition.

YMCA is launching #BuildingFutures, a movement to tackle the youth housing crisis by creating 10,000 homes across England and Wales. The new affordable homes for YMCA St Paul’s Group residents in Walthamstow form part of that 10,000-home target and reflect our commitment to ensuring no young person is left without a home or a future.

Richard James, Chief Executive of YMCA St Paul’s Group, said:

“Soaring rents, a lack of safe and affordable homes, and the constant risk of homelessness are leaving many young and vulnerable people feeling stuck, isolated and locked out of the futures they deserve. By working with LandAid, Long Harbour and Way of Life we are opening access to high-quality homes that would normally be out of reach for our residents. This partnership shows how Build to Rent can play a practical role in supporting young people into independent living.”

Rebecca Taylor, Managing Director at Long Harbour, added:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with LandAid and YMCA on this long-term venture to provide affordable accommodation to young people rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness. Of the 495 homes at The Eades, 99 units were delivered at a discount to market rent, supporting key

workers living and working in Waltham Forest. The Build to Rent Pathfinder units sit alongside this substantial provision, further strengthening the scheme’s social impact.

Since opening last year, The Eades has become an integral part of the local community, supporting a range of initiatives including a partnership with the William Morris Gallery. We are also proud to have raised £21,336 for LandAid, helping to fund life-changing support for young people in need of safe, secure housing.”

Sowgol Zarinchang, Managing Director at Way of Life, comments:

“Community is at the heart of our work at Way of Life and we are delighted to continue working with LandAid long-term by providing these apartments to YMCA. The team look forward to welcoming our new residents and watching them thrive in their new homes.”

YMCA St Paul’s Group is a London charity that supports and empowers young and vulnerable people through life-changing youth work, vital community services and specialist-supported housing for those at risk of homelessness. Its vision is to create places where young people thrive and communities flourish.

As one of London’s largest providers of specialist-supported accommodation, YMCA St Paul’s Group provides a safe place to stay for around 1,250 people each night.”