It is estimated that we need 70,000 bricks to build our new 40 move-one accommodation units at Bethel Street and just £1 will cover the cost of one brick, the mortar and the labour.
There is a minimum donation of £2 through this site and we really appreciate any commitment to purchase at least two bricks.
YMCA Norfolk delivers effective frontline services to young people at their point of need and each night accommodates up to 231 vulnerable young people across the county many of whom are often at significant risk of exploitation and harm. Through our key worker programme increasing numbers are experiencing positive life changes and moving on to independent living. We help them recover their self-esteem, to find a purpose in life and for some we will break the damaging and dangerous life-cycle of drugs and crime so often triggered by rejection or break up from the family home.
Our hostel in St. Giles Street, Norwich is open 24 hours a day with a 93% occupancy of its 75 available single rooms. It has medieval cellars, a 200-year old frontage and 1960’s extensions. It has served us well but the cost of conversion would be enormous. We have been professionally advised that it would be more cost-effective to dispose of it. Therefore we have ambitious plans to replace the outmoded premises.
We have already completed the construction of a 34 bed assessment and accommodation centre catering for young people under 25 where they are welcomed and stay for a few months while they are assessed and expertly allocated proper move-on housing and professional support.
Our next step is to provide 40 new self-contained units on Bethel Street utilising our existing St Giles Street premises to provide move-on accommodation. Here our clients will embrace the challenges of independent living and self-sustainability, but will continue to benefit from support from trained support workers.
There is an outstanding funding gap of £1.M and support for this fundraising appeal will be a significant investment in ensuring that hundreds of young people, both male and female, do not face the misery and the fear of the streets.
Thanks you for your support
