Young homeless charity aiming to raise £1m for new hostel

Friday 12 March 2021

A charity that provides safe accommodation to young people at risk of homelessness is aiming to raise £1m for a “much-needed” new hostel.

The Jersey Association for Youth and Friendship (JAYF), which helps those aged between 18 and 25, currently runs four shelters that can accommodate up to 29 residents in self-contained units with access to cooking, laundry and communal facilities.

There, they also receive support from dedicated ‘houseparents’ and an experienced Liaison Officer, who provide guidance on education, training and employment. 

Despite the pandemic’s impacts on its regular ‘Open Garden’ fundraisers, JAYF says it is 80% of the of the way towards its total, but needs a further £200,000 to fund the purchase of a new facility and additional costs.

Hitting the target would be a fitting way of marking its 60^th anniversary this year, according to the charity. 

With restrictions now easing, JAYF says its first Open Garden event of the year is scheduled to take place on Saturday 20 June at Beau Desert in Trinity. It is hoped that four further events will be held over the summer.

CLICK HERE to donate. 

(Cheque donations can be made to Treasurer Mike Berry c/o La Brecque, La Verte Rue, St Mary, JE3 3DA or by bank transfer to JAYF (Appeals) Lloyds Bank sort code 30-94-61, account number 03041109.)