Understand
Meet the York host family providing a lifeline to young homeless people
Overview
A couple in York, Beth and Mike Edwards, are hosting a young homeless woman named Ava through the youth homelessness charity SASH. Having previously hosted four other young people, the couple offer a spare room, stability, and practical support such as budgeting and CV writing. Ava, who was referred to SASH after a relationship breakdown left her living in hostels, states that living with the couple makes her feel safe and secure. SASH currently has 19 host families in total, though the charity notes an increasing demand for support as youth homelessness remains a significant issue across the UK.
Key points
- Beth and Mike Edwards are hosting a 22-year-old homeless woman named Ava, marking their fifth hosting experience with the charity SASH.
- SASH is a youth homelessness charity in York that currently relies on 19 host families to provide emergency accommodation or longer-term supported lodgings.
- The hosting scheme involves a match meeting beforehand, and hosts receive £130 per week in expenses while providing practical help like budgeting and cooking.
- Ava reports feeling safe and secure living with the couple after previously feeling lost in the homelessness system.
- Charity data estimates that nearly 124,000 young people will experience or be at risk of homelessness this year, driven by factors such as family breakdown and mental health issues.