From Councillor Liz Shard SIR. In response to the anonymous letter regarding the residents of the YMCA in Surbiton, I would like to let your readers know who is really housed there (Crime and vandalism is ruining the good life', Comet, June 30).
The YMCA, and its associated buildings, are run by the charity, with Kingston Council having a number of beds available to house single homeless people.
The residents are vulnerable, including 16 to 17-year-olds either leaving care homes or thrown out of home, those with mental health problems, and those struggling with addictions. What both the council and the YMCA are trying to provide is a safe environment to help them re-enter society.
Without the work of organisations such as the YMCA, not only would the council have to spend thousands more on bed and breakfast accommodation, but would also be left to its own devices.
The support provided is vital to these groups of individuals. The writer states we who live in Surbiton have paid for the privilege to live here', but I would say, at least, we have only paid money, not with our health.
COUNCILLOR LIZ SHARD St Mark's Ward
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