YMCA Cornwall Reaches £250,000 Target to Build New Homes for Young People

YMCA Cornwall has surpassed its ambitious £250,000 fundraising goal for its housing appeal, achieving the milestone in just under nine months. This remarkable success has been made possible by the overwhelming support of the local community, councils, businesses, and several major contributions from trusts and foundations.

About the Your Help, Their Future Campaign

The Your Help, Their Future campaign was launched in June 2025 with a £70,000 donation from The Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation, kick‑starting plans to create four self‑contained flats for young people at risk of homelessness. YMCA Cornwall currently supports 50 young people who were homeless or at risk, with a further 46 waiting for accommodation.

Progress on the New Flats

Head of Operations Helen Wilson‑Prowse said: “We are blown away by the speed and scale of the support we’ve received. On behalf of the whole team at YMCA Cornwall, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has backed the campaign. Reaching this £250,000 target and being able to complete one of the four new flats is a testament to how much our community cares about the future of our young people, as well as the dedication of the team here.”

Support from The Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation

High Sheriff of Cornwall and representative of The Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation, Geraint Richards, added: “I am immensely proud to see the impact of this project taking shape. We were delighted to support YMCA Cornwall with a donation to help launch this campaign, and it is inspiring to see how the contribution, combined with the extraordinary generosity of the community, has brought the first new home to completion so quickly.

“These new flats will provide young people with safety, stability, and the opportunity to build a brighter future. I very much look forward to visiting later this month and meeting the dedicated team whose commitment has made this achievement possible.”

Next Steps

Helen continues: “We are making great headway on the other three builds and are currently working with suppliers to secure the best possible value. With construction costs continuing to rise, we are being extremely careful and proactive in managing project costs so that every pound raised is used wisely for the benefit of the young people we support.”

A Resident’s Perspective

YMCA Cornwall resident Michael said: “It’s changed my life coming here. I’m moving into my own flat and it’s gorgeous, and I feel so much joy knowing I’m moving to such a nice place.”

Want to Get Involved?

YMCA Cornwall is calling on trades people to help us finish building the remaining homes. If you can help with materials or labour get in touch.

Email: penzanceadmin@ymcacornwall.org

Or if you’d like to donate to YMCA Cornwall to help us continue our support for young people at risk.