Member Article

Young professionals among first to move into new YMCA Black Country affordable housing

The first residents to move into modern affordable YMCA Black Country Group housing for young professionals in Sandwell have praised their new homes.

The extended 235 Y-Living accommodation in Hamstead, West Bromwich, now provides an additional 26 safe and secure one-bedroom studio apartments and communal facilities.

The YMCA Black Country Group property provides young people with new, affordable housing with a trusted landlord. Aimed at young professionals aged from 18 to 35 or young people in full time education or training, Y-Living gives occupiers the opportunity to live in high quality accommodation, alongside similar individuals.

Nurse Henrietha Ladan moved into a Y-Living home after relocating from Kent for work. Henrietha said: “My job has a lot of responsibility so it is nice to come home to somewhere comfortable where I can relax. I like having my own space and would recommend moving here as people are friendly and from the same age group as each other.

“I was previously in a house share but it was a bad experience so when I was checking for homes to view, I was pleased to see there was a new build available from YMCA Black Country as I have always wanted to live in one. It is really clean, everyone respects each other and the YMCA helped me with my application so I really happy to be among the first to move in.”

Customer service advisor Adesewa Ayoola was also among the first to move in during July, having relocated from Coventry. She said: “I only came to have a look but I loved the area and was so pleased to move in. It is affordable and serene so it felt like it was meant to be.

“Coming from a shared apartment to have my own home, I have loved having all this room to myself. It is perfect. The staff are lovely and really take care of the tenants.”

Ansy Tumba, who has a job as a workforce optimisation specialist for a beauty salon chain, moved from London to Y-Living. Ansy said: “This is the first time I have lived in a brand new property. I have a hybrid working role so I appreciate where I live especially as I have my own kitchen and bathroom, which is amazing.

“I like living around a lot of people like me, who have similar backgrounds and ages. It has been a huge adjustment from having lived with my family but the YMCA team have been amazing, especially in helping me with the financial side of the of the process.”

Y-Living offers occupiers fully furnished and new build accommodation, a single monthly charge covering rent, heating, electric, water and wi-fi, along with a YMCA Incentives package including free gym usage in West Bromwich.

To access accommodation at Y-Living, applicants have to be aged between 18 and 35 and been in work for three months or be in training and education with a rent guarantor. There are also requirements around banking, references and credit checks.

Sally Cowan, Chief Officer at YMCA Black Country Group, said: “We are thrilled to offer our largest selection of properties for young professionals as well as families at 235 Hamstead Road, following the development of an additional 26 homes.

“At YMCA Black Country Group, we are committed to providing young adults with safe, high quality and affordable accommodation with a landlord they can trust.  The positive feedback from tenants has been welcome as we support them in being connected to the Black Country community as they build their future lives.”

This year the YMCA, the world’s largest and oldest charity working with young people and their communities, is celebrate its 180th anniversary. The Black Country charity, which has been operating since 1888, marked the landmark during the summer with a series of events.

With sites across the Black Country, today the YMCA provides a range of services including childcare, housing for young workers, supported accommodation, employability, health and social enterprises projects.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Osborn Communications .