Recent data from Centrepoint highlights the pressing need for such services, with over 13,700 young people experiencing homelessness in the West Midlands in a year. In Coventry alone, 1,945 individuals sought assistance from the Council, marking a 17% increase from the previous year.
The hub is a pivotal component of Coventry Building Society's multi-million-pound partnership with St Basils and Centrepoint, aiming to combat youth homelessness over three years. Kip, a beneficiary of St Basils, expressed gratitude for the hub, emphasising the relief of accessing consolidated support rather than repeatedly recounting their upsetting circumstances to multiple agencies.
Jean Templeton, CEO of St Basils, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hub's role in providing holistic support and expressing delight in participating in the multi-agency partnership.
Coventry Building Society's CEO, Steve Hughes, highlighted the hub's role in delivering vital support, acknowledging the contributions of partners and local suppliers in creating a welcoming environment for vulnerable young people.
Council members, including Cllr David Welsh and Cllr Pat Seaman, emphasised the significance of partnership working in addressing the housing crisis and expressed confidence in the hub's ability to make a tangible difference in the community.