We’re looking for caring people to open up their home. Could it be you?

At YMCA Black Country, we’re inviting individuals, couples, and families in the Black Country boroughs to help young people aged 18 to 25 who can’t live with their families. Through our Open Door scheme, hosts provide supported lodgings to those in need, with Walsall being the area where support is most urgently required.

Our Open Door project helps young people without a safe home by offering not only accommodation but also the stability they need to continue their education, find employment, or access essential services. This support can be life-changing, giving them the chance to rebuild their confidence and gain the skills needed to live independently.

Much like temporary fostering for children, hosting through YMCA means opening your home to a young adult. With our help, hosts provide a supportive environment while we, as the world’s largest and oldest youth charity, deliver a package of guidance to ensure both hosts and young people feel supported throughout the process.

Many young adults in the Black Country face challenges that prevent them from living at home, such as bereavement, overcrowding, family breakdown, or risk of abuse.

Take Robyn, for example, a 24-year-old who’s been staying with one of our hosts, Anne Russell, in Walsall. Robyn said: “I had become homeless and was quite apprehensive about moving into someone else’s home—it was daunting. Anne understood that, because I’m older, I have life skills, but she was there whenever I needed additional support. She’s helped me access services to organise my finances and healthcare. This year, I turn 25 and am looking forward to having my own place. I love living with Anne and have still got good relations with my family, but I’m so grateful to my host and the YMCA support workers for helping me prepare for the future.”

Anne has hosted five young people through our Open Door project over the past 18 months. She shared her experience: “I had been looking into fostering and was mentoring a young person when I came across the opportunity to host a young adult. I have two teenagers and had been through a turbulent time at that age myself, which meant I moved out of home. I wanted to give something back.

“I like knowing that I’m helping someone with a place to stay, which might help them build a more stable home life in the future. To anyone considering it, I’d say go for it. The training is excellent, and you’ll see how you can make someone feel wanted, helping them build confidence and learn new skills. For me, it’s been incredibly rewarding and has given me a real sense of achievement.”

Our Open Door Project Manager, Stanley Ifamene, explained:
“There is a real need for hosts across the Black Country, particularly in Walsall, and we’re encouraging people to step forward to help. Young people who can’t live at home can be incredibly vulnerable, even if they seem confident or streetwise. They often feel isolated and lonely, missing out on educational and social opportunities that others their age take for granted.

“There’s also a misconception that young people who are homeless struggle with addictions, but that’s not the case. Over the past few years, we’ve supported more than 50 young people, giving them the chance to build a settled home life with a host, gain qualifications, and even go on to university.

“Our professionals work closely with both hosts and young people, whether it’s for a one-night stay or longer-term lodgings. Hosts receive financial support for food and household bills and can take pride in knowing they’re making a positive difference.”

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a host through our Open Door scheme, visit: www.ymcabc.org.uk/services/housing/open-door/.