YMCA Open Door is part of YMCA Black Country Group. The project places people aged 16-25 who are imminently homeless/looked after children with Host families.
There are two types of placements- Emmergency Nightstop (short term) and Supported Lodgings (longer term upto 2 years)
- Emergency Nightstop:
A young person is given an emergency Nightstop placement with a Host family while a more permanent living situation is sorted out. Dinner, bed, and breakfast are provided on this service, and daystop if required. - Supported Lodgings:
A vulnerable young person is placed in Supported Lodgings with a Host family for up to 2 years. Each individual is given a Project Worker, who works with them to develop skills for life. We encourage young people into education or employment to lead them into independence, and a sustainable future.
Young People need to:
- Have a desire for a sustainable adult lifestyle
- Regulate their behaviour to accommodate house rules
- Engage with Hosts and YMCA Open Door staff
- The project is most suitable for 16-17 year olds but other ages are not automatically excluded.
Want to become an Open Door Host?
YMCA is recruiting Open Door Hosts across the Black Country who can offer a temporary home to a young person.
Supported Lodgings Hosts:
Supported Lodgings can last between one month up to two years. To become a Host for longer term Supported Lodgings you will need:
- A safe home
- A spare room in Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley or Walsall
- An ability to listen and respond appropriately
- Patience and understanding
- Some awareness of the needs of young people
- Be able to provide at least one meal a day
- A willingness to work alongside YMCA support staff
- To undertake a criminal records check
What’s in it for you:
Providing Supported Lodgings offers you all sorts of rewards:
- It is immensely rewarding to see a young person develop into a responsible adult who is making the most of the opportunities you have opened up for them.
- It is a chance for you to use your resources and skills to make your community a better place for everyone.
- Host receives over £100pw for having a young person placed with them. On top of this, the young person will also make a contribution towards food and other household bills.
Nightstop Hosts
Nightstop Hosts are paid an allowance of £20 per night to cover their costs. The young person is provided an evening meal, bed for the night, breakfast, laundry facilities and basic toiletries. They can also talk to a supportive Host.
A placement can be overnight or up to two weeks and can mark the first step out of homelessness for a young person. Hosts are never alone in supporting the young person, the YMCA will be on hand if extra or more specific support is required.
What you need to become a Nightstop Host:
- The passion to change a young life
- A caring attitude
- A spare room
For more information on becoming a YMCA Host, contact our Open Door office e-mail opendoor@ymcabc.org.uk
You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with what’s happening in Open Door.
For more information on Open Door, please visit our website or contact the team.