Meet the York ‘host family’ for young homeless people

Ava ended up living in hostels when a relationship breakdown left her homeless.

The 22-year-old felt “lost in the system”, but has now found safety, security and friendship after moving in with a host family.

Mike and Beth Edwards gave a spare bedroom in their house in York to Ava after she was referred to them by youth homelessness charity SASH (Safe and Sound Homes).

The couple, who are in their 30s and live with their dog Lilah, have been part of the hosting scheme for four years, and Ava is their fifth guest at their three-bedroom house.

SASH now has 19 host families who offer emergency overnight accomodation, or longer-term supported lodgings to vulnerable young people.

“It’s nerve-wracking at first because you worry about the unknown,” Beth explains.

“But with the ‘match meeting’ happening first, you know who they are, so they’re not a complete stranger.”

Beth says hosting is like “having a best friend and a roommate all at the same time”.

“Ava eats meals with us, we have Sunday dinner with her. We watch TV together and we chat about what’s actually going on in our lives.”

The couple, who both work in private healthcare administration, agree there is “a lot of reward” in helping a young person – but giving a stranger a key to your house also comes with some challenges.

They have dealt with late-night arrivals, forgotten keys and loud phone calls, but try and take things in their stride. They have now registered the second spare room in their three-bedroom home with SASH.

Mike says: “You need to have empathy because there are times when young people don’t come from the nicest backgrounds.

“It can take time for them to open up and it can take time for them to feel comfortable – so you need to be patient.”

Beth agrees that it takes “a certain type of person” to let somebody into their home.

“You have to figure out who they are and work with whatever problems might come along – and work with them to find solutions.”

The practical help Mike and Beth have given their guests includes teaching them to budget, write a CV, prepare for job interviews and cook meals.

SASH provides ongoing support and a review of the placement takes place every six weeks.

Ava has a case worker and Mike and Beth are given £130 per week by SASH in expenses.