While homelessness in Malta may not be so visible, the number of people approaching YMCA indicates the issue is a reality for many.
As of August, 107 individuals were referred to the non-profit organisation, which gave shelter to 34 of them.
At present, YMCA offers two main services: a shelter and a drop-in facility, which also offers community service. The shelter is currently home to 12 individuals while the drop-in centre sees about 20 people a day.
The youngest resident is a two-month-old baby living with his teenage mother
“People of any age seek our services,” said Maria Sammut, operations manager. “Some are families with small children, others are teenagers. Based on the current population at the shelter, the average age is 35.
“The youngest resident is a two-month-old baby living with his teenage mother and the oldest is 65.”
The shelter caters for individuals who are homeless and have no alternative housing. It provides emergency admissions for those seeking shelter for a short period of time.
“YMCA also offers a residential programme, which allows for longer stays. Through this programme, we teach basic skills and, ultimately, help people move on from situations that lead them to us,” Ms Sammut said.
A programme for young people has been developed to help minors seeking shelter.
“These young people are with us until they are 21. We offer a nurturing home and lead them towards stability and independence.”
Ms Sammut added that the programme also tackled the emotional and psychological effects experienced by people of this age group.
Most residents have two main problems: having nowhere to stay and lacking adequate financial means to cope.
Ms Sammut pointed out that, before reaching out to the shelter, many would have gone through various struggles and often found themselves with nobody else to turn to.
She believes there is a lack of awareness about the severity of the problem.
“Many tend to think of a homeless person as one who sleeps rough in cardboard boxes, as is seen abroad. This is not our reality because shelters − like the one run by YMCA – try to cater for such needs. Yet, the problem still exists and we need to address the issue more frequently,” she added.
In an attempt to improve this, the Talbot and Bons Music Marathon – being held this weekend − is donating half the proceeds to YMCA with the other half going to Hospice Malta.
Various musicians will play live music as MPs and TV personalities will spend the night outside in sleeping bags on the Talbot and Bons terrace, at the Skyparks, in Luqa, in an attempt to highlight the struggles of the homeless. Organisers hope to raise €10,000 in donations.
Amy Talbot, the marathon organiser, said that some of the funds raised would go towards the accommodation needed for the young people’s programme.