A new £4 million scheme to help some of Torbay’s most vulnerable young people has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by bay MP Kevin Foster.
New plans will see 36 homes will have 24-hour-a-day staffing created for young people at risk of or facing homelessness in Torbay. The properties will be for people with medium-to-high support needs, with options for them to move into supported housing later.
Mr Foster said his brief experience of sleeping outdoors during a homelessness awareness event at Paignton’s YMCA highlighted the need for action.
The MP has worked with the YMCA and Torbay Council to secure the extra money.
He said: “This is a fantastic level of funding to secure for delivering much-needed new housing.
“This is not just about providing a roof over a young person’s head, but support as well. It only takes one evening sleeping outside to realise what impact sleeping rough can have, especially for a vulnerable young person.
“I am pleased to have not only helped raise the profile of this issue, but to have worked with colleagues to secure vital funding to make a difference.”
The plans will be delivered by the council along with YMCA Exeter and YMCA South Devon as part of a ground-breaking Supported Housing Pathway.
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