A ground breaking ceremony for LandAid House took place on Wednesday July 19, marking the beginning of construction for a state-of-the-art building near Old Street to provide 146 bedrooms for young people at risk of becoming homeless. The event was attended by James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, and Una O’Halloran, Mayor of Islington.
LandAid has already raised over £500,000 as part of its £1.5m appeal for the ambitious project. LandAid is calling on individuals and businesses to support this life-changing project, and has confirmed every donation will be matched, pound-for-pound, by a supporter who has seen the project and knows what an incredible difference it will make.
The building, which will be owned and run by City YMCA London, is due to open in autumn 2018, and will offer a safe place to live for vulnerable young people as well as advice on housing, education, training and well-being. Over the next 60 years, the building will give a future to 10,000 young homeless Londoners.
To hear more about LandAid’s appeal, and how you or your business can be a part of it, contact paul.morrish@landaid.org.
Paul Morrish, CEO of LandAid said: ‘Today was ground-breaking in every sense! LandAid House will not just give shelter to young and homeless Londoners; it will give them the specialist support to help them make the journey to becoming independent and achieve brighter futures. We’re thrilled to see construction get underway, and want as many people and companies to come forward, support our appeal and be part of this unique project to change lives for thousands of young people’.
Photo, L-R: Peter Estlin, Sheriff of the City of London; Mark Poulding-Wright, City YMCA London Vice Chairman; James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development; Una O’Halloran, Mayor of Islington; Gillian Bowen, City YMA London Chief Executive; The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral; former YMCA young resident; Claudia Webbe, Bunhill Ward Councillor; Robert Thompson, City YMCA London Chairman.