180 people sheltered by YMCA as demand for support surges
Nearly 300 cases of homelessness with 'dramatic' growth in youth and family services
YMCA Malta provided shelter to 180 individuals in the first half of 2025 and received nearly 300 cases of homelessness as demand for support services surged, the organisation said in its Mid-Year Impact Review.
The report, titled “From Response to Resilience,” details how the NGO’s services evolved over the first two quarters of the year, with sharp increases in referrals, growing reliance on youth and mental health services, and a doubling of community donations.
The organisation said the number of people it sheltered jumped by 53.5%, rising from 71 in the first quarter to 109 in the second. Referrals to its residential services more than doubled in the same period, from 97 to 201, suggesting both greater need and increased trust from the community.
Meanwhile, the number of people who moved on from YMCA shelters into independent living tripled – from 10 to 37 cases – indicating more successful long-term outcomes.
"This demonstrates not only increased demand but greater throughput, suggesting our shelter models are becoming more efficient and outcome-driven. With 17 active interns supporting service delivery, we're also training tomorrow's social leaders today," YMCA said on Thursday.
The organisation operates Dar Niki Cassar, Y communal home and Y studio flats with financial backing from the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights. It will soon be adding Dar Simon Soler to its service offering.
YMCA’s drop-in centre remained a stable contact point for thousands of individuals, registering more than 2,500 visits each quarter. While requests for meals, coffee and showers declined – which may be due to seasonal changes or internal restructuring – the use of laundry services increased by over 50%.
Digital access remained a core need. YMCA recorded 749 interventions to help people connect online, and provided 776 community social work interventions over six months.
In terms of mental health, YMCA provided nearly 900 psychotherapy sessions in the first half of 2025. Referral uptake was nearly universal, with 98.8% of those referred attending sessions.
The most dramatic growth was seen in YMCA’s youth and family services, which recorded a 367% increase in interventions, rising from 12 in Q1 to 56 in Q2.
Its flagship “Y’ After School” programme expanded from 8 to 48 sessions, and two new initiatives – “Y’ Explore” and “Y’ Connect” – were launched and fully operational by the second quarter. The services reached an estimated 550 young people in total during the six-month period.
“This is a clear signal that investing in prevention and positive youth development works,” the report said.
YMCA also reported a sharp rise in community engagement. In-kind donations doubled, as did the number of external visits to YMCA services. The organisation contributed to five research projects, up from three in Q1, reflecting its growing advocacy and leadership role in the sector.
A total of 130 individuals below the poverty line were supported during the six-month review period.
YMCA said the figures underscore a shift from immediate response to longer-term resilience building in the face of growing social needs.
“Our mission is not just about providing shelter – it’s about building pathways to dignity, independence and community,” the organisation said.