Welcome to East Herts YMCA
Supported Housing
The facility consists of 27 self-contained flats (one of which is specifically designed for disabled access), a crash-pad (emergency accommodation), a communal lounge, laundry facilities and a training room. The ground floor is designed with wheelchair access in mind and includes facilities for disabled clients and visitors.
Low to Medium Support Unit - Assured Shorthold Tenancies
This is the core service offered by the YMCA and focuses on the provision of supported housing to 27 vulnerable young adults (those that are determined as at risk from others or to themselves) between the ages of 18 and 30. Each resident has an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) and is expected to stay with the Association for a period of six months to two years. Examples of the issues that bring people to the YMCA and the areas where supported housing can be offered include: debt, experience of the criminal justice system, unemployment, family breakdown, substance misuse and lack of self confidence. The Association's approach is clear - it is not to create dependency, but to enable residents to help themselves and move from dependence to independence.
Low to Medium Support Unit - Licence Agreements
Since October 2005 we have been able to offer accommodation to two additional single adults between the ages of 18 and 30 on Licence Agreements. The use of Licence Agreements, as opposed to ASTs, enables the acceptance of potentially higher risk individuals who would not normally be successful when applying for accommodation. This additional option gives a longer period of time for resident assessment that may allow any hidden risks to be identified. If the individual's risk is found to be too high for the support the YMCA can provide, the Licence Agreement will allow greater freedom to ensure that the resident moves to more suitable accommodation and then the opportunity can be offered to another individual.
When vacancies occur the possibility for progression to a self-contained flat and an AST agreement is created.
Action/Support Plan
The housing support team offer all residents an individual action plan. This is an opportunity to develop skills and abilities as well as plan beyond the end of their tenancy at the YMCA. Typically the action plan will focus on areas such as future housing, training, jobs and personal development. This is the resident's plan and the staff are there to support each resident in using the time at the YMCA to develop access to opportunities.
The action plan meetings take place every two months and are reviewed every six months. While this is a low-support project, all residents agree to attend action plan meetings when they sign their tenancy. We hope that this process will be seen as a positive opportunity for self-development and planning for the future.