Charity Fundraising For Fifth Hostel

A Jersey charity celebrating its 60th anniversary is hoping to raise £1 million to pay for another hostel for young people who've been made homeless.

The Jersey Association for Youth and Friendship helps 18 to 25-year-olds who've lost their home through no fault of their own.

Another £200,000 is needed to build the hostel and cover other related costs.

Chairman Alan Binnington says demand is there for it.

"We currently have four hostels accommodating some 29 people, but we have a waiting list of over 20 so clearly another hostel would be extremely useful and so we thought, in our 60th anniversary year, this would be a great project for us to initiate."

The hostels in place now have cooking, laundry, and communal facilities - with residents supported by designated houseparents and a Liaison Officer.

Mr. Binnington says they help youngsters who need stability to eventually move on to independent living - which another hostel would help to achieve.

"We've seen over the last few years that homelessness is a growing issue in Jersey. Fortunately, there is now a homelessness strategy but as part of that, we fulfill quite an important role.

"We've seen a growing need for the service that we're providing and with a large waiting list, another hostel makes absolute sense."

The JAYF is hoping to raise funds through its annual Open Garden events this summer, but it will depend on Covid-19 guidelines at the time.

Donations can be made here. Cheques 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.