REAL LIFE: Steve's as shrewd as snakes
 YMCA's Steve Ginn is notorious for going the extra mile. After many years working at the YMCA in Norwich for the Prince's Trust, and then developing YMCA Norfolk's Y-Life scheme, he is now running Night Stop, a system of volunteer householders offering emergency accommodation to 16-24 year olds who find themselves suddenly homeless.
He deals with many referrals from the local authority, including Carrie, a 16-year-old girl under the legal guardianship of her older sister.
The two had rowed and Carrie had been turfed out. She ended up spending a few nights in the home of Maureen V, a former YMCA resident herself. The volunteers come from all walks of life, retired couples, anyone with some time and a spare bedroom in their home. But it takes a lot of courage to open your home to a stranger, particularly a stranger who may be harbouring huge problems.
Steve takes a call from the local authority wanting an emergency home for Pat, a young lad whose mother has kicked him out for 'breaking a window.' It seems a bit extreme; something doesn't quite add up. After several hours' research and interviewing, the truth emerges. Pat is due in court on Monday charged with a series of violent offences. There is no way Steve can allow him into anybody's home in the scheme.
There are currently around 15 volunteer hosts prepared to offer one or two nights' accommodation, a listening ear and a hot meal to a young person in distress. Most attend local churches, as it happens, although that's not one of the criteria. To be 'shrewd as snakes, innocent as doves' certainly is, though. (Matt 16:10)
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