Small Charity Week 19-23 June- The York Road Project

Established as a registered Charity in 2001. York Road Project (YRP) has been a pillar of support for individuals facing homelessness, located in the heart of Woking. With over 22 years of experience, and expertise, we have become a trusted and reliable source of assistance of those in need of our help.

Here at YRP we work with several hundred individuals every year, who sadly find themselves without a safe and stable place to call home. Our primary focus is to provide direct access, short-term accommodation to those facing homelessness. In addition, our dedicated staff team, comprised of a small but compassionate group of professionals, work tirelessly to provide essential support and guidance to our clients. Our support staff bring a diverse background of expertise to the table, enabling individuals to move forward, towards independent living.

In addition to our accommodation services, YRP operates a Day Centre located near the town centre. Our Day Centre provides a crucial service by offering a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be rough sleeping. Here, they can access basic needs such as a shower, clean clothes, wash facilities, ensuring their dignity and hygiene is maintained.

Our impact for 2022-23, we provided support and advice to a total 415 individuals, among those supported individuals, 151 people were offered accommodation through our 29 bed accommodation services. We are proud to share that 45% of the individuals were successful in transitioning to alternative accommodation such as private rented, social housing, or supported accommodation.

Our success is not just measured in terms of housing stability. We have seen individuals who have regained their self-confidence, re-established positive relationships with their families, and become actively engaged members of their community. Some have even gone on to become advocates themselves, sharing their stories and inspiring others to overcome adversity.

These success stories are a testament to the effectiveness of our person-centred approach and the dedication of our staff and volunteers. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and we are proud to have played a role in transforming the lives of so many individuals. However, despite these remarkable achievements, the demand for our services continues to grow. The ongoing challenges of housing affordability, increases to utility bills, job insecurity, and mental health issues contribute to the persistence of homelessness in our community.

A significant majority, 73%, of the people we support have a local connection to Woking, this demonstrates our commitment to serving and assisting those in our immediate vicinity. We are the only safety net for homeless individuals in our local area. As a Charity we recognise the urgency and complexity of the many issues our clients face, and we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness here in our community. Our person-centred approach addresses not only the immediate need for shelter but also the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, such as a lack of access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and social support networks.

Additionally, our support extends beyond providing accommodation. Even when clients move into their ‘forever homes’, we continue to provide ongoing support to help them sustain and integrate onto the community the live in. We understand that the transition to independent living can still present challenges, which is why we offer continued assistance to help clients connect with community services and support networks.

Cherisse Dealtry

Chief Executive Officer

York Road Project

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