£1m raised as Norwich homeless project set to open

YMCA Norfolk’s Bethel Street project appeal has now topped its £1m target, thanks to a series of generous donations from individuals, local organisations and charitable trusts.

YMCA Norfolk Fundraising Manager, Susie Knights, said: “We are grateful to everyone who contributed towards this appeal. It has enabled us to build friendships and partnerships with charitable trusts, funding organisations and local businesses, as well as all many individuals from across Norfolk who gave towards the brick appeal.”

In January 2009, YMCA Norfolk opened up a brand new 34-bed assessment centre next to the Bus Station which has since been operating successfully with almost 500 applications and a 98% occupancy rate.

As the second phase, the Bethel Street development will provide 40 self-contained move-on units for homeless young people, on the site to the rear of the existing YMCA site on St Giles Street. 

YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said: “This new service will improve outcomes for young people and give them a better chance of reaching their full potential. Every young person deserves the best we can offer, and this new facility will help us offer the care and respect that they need to overcome the significant difficulties they will have faced before reaching us.” 

Last year, as part of the £1m appeal, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, Chair of the YMCA Norfolk Council of Patrons, launched a Brick Appeal to pay for the 70,000 bricks that have been used to build the new development.

Bishop Graham said: “The success of this appeal is another testimony to the generosity of many Norfolk people, trusts and organisations, and some further afield.  The young people who will benefit have often experienced harsh treatment rather than generosity and care.  I'm delighted that YMCA Norfolk will now be so well equipped to help them.”

Attention has now turned to a Room Sponsorship scheme, offering supporters the chance to help ensure that a local homeless young person has the help they need to turn their life around for as little as 40p a day (£12 a month).

Find out more at: www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk/roomsponsorship

You can see latest pictures of the development as work progresses at www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk 

Pictured above is YMCA Norfolk fundraising manager Susie Knights outside the Bethel Street site.