Since 1993, Doncaster Housing for Young People (DHYP) supports individuals aged 16-25 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or inadequately housed, helping them overcome disadvantage so that they can fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
The funding enabled DHYP to secure a property allowing us to accommodate up to three vulnerable young people at any one time. This has been an incredible addition to our services and a significant milestone for our organisation. The young people housed there have benefited enormously — having a safe and secure environment has given them the stability needed to focus on personal development, build essential life skills, and take steps toward independent living. The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, and it's clear that without this accommodation, their journeys may have looked very different. Supporting these young people and witnessing their growth has been deeply rewarding for our team. This house is not just a building — it is a vital asset that continues to transform lives and strengthen the impact of DHYP’s work.
Challenge
Homelessness has many causes and young people often need support with a range of issues to overcome difficulties in their lives. They run a range of projects, all of which are concerned with homelessness prevention. They also run a wellbeing service which helps young people build their confidence and self-esteem, develop new skills and be in a better position to sustain a home and employment.
Solution
DHYP received blended growth fund finance from Homeless Link which allowed them to secure their first property to provide shared accommodation for young people aged 16-25 who are vulnerably housed or at risk of homelessness.
They are also just about to buy their second property with more blended finance from the Postcode Innovation Trust. The £150,000 investment consisted of 50% loan / 50% grant and the cost of capital was 3%.
A great example of when borrowing once gives organisations the confidence to do it again and keep growing their impact.
They offer a range of services:
Progressions Project: Helps young people secure housing, manage budgets, and access benefits.
Supported Lodgings: Places young individuals with host families as a stepping stone to independent living.
Floating Support: Provides guidance on tenancy management, life skills, and advocacy.
Wellbeing Hub: Offers weekly sessions for social engagement, confidence-building, and creative activities.
Counselling: Provides confidential support for mental and emotional well-being.
Young Persons’ Forum: Gives young people a voice in DHYP’s services and local youth issues.
Future Skills: Assists with employment, apprenticeships, training, and interview preparation.
These services empower young people with the stability and skills needed for independent living.
Our Investment Panel were very impressed with DHYP’s Supported Shared Housing model that combines affordable housing with tailored support to address the immediate and long-term needs of young people at risk of homelessness. DHYP are a really good example of how to use blended finance to develop local solutions to entrenched social problems and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work.
Revenue
DHYP provide a range of useful services that young people who are at risk of homelessness can access, giving them help and support along the way. Their diverse income stream is made up of a number of local authority-funded programmes providing targeted and dedicated support for those that are homeless, at risk of homelessness or inadequately housed alongside counselling services, supported housing and fundraising / donations.
Impact
In 2023-24, DHYP supported 37 young people to find a home, helped 17 gain volunteering or workplace experience, and provided 554 one-to-one counselling/wellbeing sessions.
Their Shared Supported Housing project has a successful move-on rate of 80%. The low arrears and void rates in this project demonstrate effective management.
DHYP estimates that expanding this project will support at least 12 more young people over seven years.
DHYP provide support services, accommodation and preventative services for young people in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas, supporting those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It has therefore been a great privilege to work with them to help them in expanding their impact. Homeless Link have been able to support DHYP in their plans for developing diversified income streams to enable greater financial sustainability, through the Enterprise Development Programme, Reach Fund and the Homeless Link Social Investment Fund. Ultimately, this led to DHYP being able to purchase a property, enabling them to increase their impact by providing supported accommodation for young people.