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YMCA St Paul's Group
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mYPads

London’s shortage of affordable accommodation has created a “revolving door” pattern of homelessness.

Many young people leaving supported accommodation simply cannot afford to gather the huge deposit needed to secure a flat in the capital. The result is that they often find themselves back at square one, returning to the supported accommodation service they have just left.

To respond to this need, YMCA Walthamstow developed mYPads – containerised units that have been converted into affordable homes.

FAQs

mYPads are an innovative solution to homelessness and the lack of affordable housing for young, single people living in London. We have converted shipping containers to high-specification single-occupancy units containing a bed, storage space, a wet-pod containing a shower and sink and limited cooking facilities.

We have 10 mYPads that are designated for YMCA Walthamstow residents to rent at a rate of 30% of minimum wage, enabling them to leave supported accommodation, start full-time work and live independently, while at the same time saving funds for their first deposit.

We also have 20 mYPads designated for people who working 30 hours plus and are currently unable to privately rent, are not owed a homelessness duty by the council and find themselves facing homelessness. Residents in a mYPad will be on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

These mYPads cost £190.53 a week to rent, including utilities, plus around £20.00 a week council tax, allowing residents to save a deposit for more permanent accommodation. New residents will be required to pay the first months rent the day they move in. Unlike the rest of YMCA Walthamstow’s accommodation, mYPads are not supported housing, meaning you will not have a Supported Housing Officer and access to other support services, and you will be responsible for paying the entirety of your licence fee directly to us. There are no laundry facilities. You are welcome to become a member of our gym.

How do I apply?

You can apply to become a mYPad resident by completing the online application form.

Send us a message

mYPads

Enquiry form for mYPads

Name(Required)
Are you interested in renting a mYPad?(Required)
Are you currently working more than 30 hours(Required)

What happens next?

Your application form will be assessed for eligibility. If you are ineligible to apply then you will be informed. If you are eligible, your application will remain on our system on our waiting list. We will contact you when your application approaches the top of the list to see if you still require a mYPad. You will continue to rise up the waiting list and we will contact you when a mYPad becomes available.