It’s a safe space designed, a psychological informed environment, where they can turn around their lives and thrive. It is a home for an average of twelve months allowing them to find their feet, to regain their dignity and plan their futures. The building will help redefine standards in homelessness and move-on accommodation nationally and it’s the first new homelessness accommodation to be constructed in London for over a decade.
Initially, Kai was reluctant to engage with City YMCA and reluctant to use his time constructively. He was dissatisfied with the way things were but didn’t know where to start in terms of what was possible for him. City YMCA’s regular key working sessions gave him the space to explore options, sessions that he grew to appreciate as he had never been asked in depth questions about his future before.
It took time, but Kai started to believe that he could change. He started to believe that there was a better life ahead.
By sustained encouragement, Kai was able to start following through and made decisions. He made the decision to find a job in construction as he had some experience to get him started. He started to set some goals, he worked on his CV and he looked for a job.
Kai has encountered numerous setbacks. But he has able to learn and to apply himself. After a few months he was offered a job and quickly started to get a sense of satisfaction through it. In turn, that sustained his interest in becoming self-reliant.
After only a month in work he decided he wanted to find his own home. With help he set a budget and started saving for a deposit. Today Kai has got his own room and is living independently.