Surrey YMCA 'honoured' to win housing project award

The East Surrey YMCA team collected their award from TV presenter Richie Anderson

The YMCA in east Surrey has won a national award for its work connecting thousands of people in need of a home with private landlords.

The charity said its free NextStep housing service "uniquely tackles homelessness" by providing "essential" advice and sourcing private rented accommodation for individuals and families.

Since NextStep was set up more than 25 years ago, the charity said it had helped find homes for about 2,000 households and has given advice to more than 3,500 individuals.

Jenny Hawes, housing projects manager and lead for NextStep, said her team were "honoured" to receive YMCA England & Wales's Youth Matters national housing project of the year award.

Ms Hawes said: "Landlords in the region are very loyal to the NextStep service.

"We provide continuity and support throughout the course of the tenancy, which we strive to maintain and run efficiently on a permanent basis.

"We are constantly looking for additional private landlords, whether they have a one-bedroomed flat or a five-bedroomed house.

"We foster strong relationships and our initiative not only alleviates the housing crisis, where many young people are living in temporary accommodation, but also builds better connected neighbourhoods."

In March, there were 131,140 households, including nearly 170,000 children, in temporary accommodation in England, an increase of 12% on the previous year, the YMCA said.

One east Surrey tenant said: "If it wasn't for [NextStep], I would be struggling to get a roof over me and my son's head.

"From the first point of contact to signing my tenancy agreement, they have been very attentive and supportive."