Supported living residents struggle to move out as Kingston lags 'light years behind' in affordable housing

Residents at the charity’s Surbiton branch said that finding work did not necessarily pay because, even though they were earning, their housing benefit was reduced, meaning money they might have saved went towards rent instead.

Were it not for the YMCA they would be back on the street, they said.

The Government pays YMCA residents housing benefit towards their hostel rent.

Receptionist Rhoda Kizito, 29, suffered a bout of depression and then substance abuse that led her to the YMCA.

She said: “Everybody wants to change, everyone wants to get out there and live, but it’s really hard to afford to move out.

“The YMCA can help, but only so much. If you find work you can’t earn enough to move out without incurring debt.”

Former barman Barry Smith, 24, said his criminal record – though “nothing major” – has made finding work difficult.

Before he moved into the YMCA, he lived in a tent in Elmbridge Meadows, the land next to the Hogsmill river in Berrylands.

He said the cost of renting in Kingston means he may have to move away – even if he does find work.

He added: “I know a lot of people around here and I don't want to [move away].

“I was on the street for a year – I was in a tent.

“It is a problem for older people too.”

Councillor Ian George, lead member for housing, said: “Without a doubt, people are getting forced out of the borough.

“It is a major problem.

“A lot of it comes down to the number of homes being built. We are light-years behind. The council can loan discretionary amounts to help out in some instances.

“Often, people moving on from the YMCA will be looking for a shared house situation that – although it is not cheap – is a halfway house to people being able to get their own place.”

Last year, the YMCA launched the Y:Cube, a 26sq m, self- contained, unit made for single occupancy, which the charity hopes will help young people who are struggling to get onto the housing market.