The YMCA is the largest provider of supported housing for single young people in England, providing 6,700 bed spaces every night. 1,000 new dwellings have been built in the last six years. With more than 100 years experience in housing, the YMCA is constantly changing to meet different housing needs. The YMCA was chosen by the government in 1991 to pilot the Foyer initiative. Foyers are residential centres which provide young people with a home, access to training, and job search support and resources.
Many residents are young people leaving local authority care.
New housing schemes are shaped by partnerships with the local authority, local residents and voluntary agencies. Many of the YMCAs offering accommodation are registered housing associations.