'We gave our spare room to a young homeless woman'

Ava ended up living in hostels when a relationship breakdown left her homeless.

The 22-year-old felt "lost in the system", but has now found safety, security and friendship after moving in with a host family.

Mike and Beth Edwards gave a spare bedroom in their house in York to Ava after she was referred to them by youth homelessness charity SASH (Safe and Sound Homes).

The couple, who are in their 30s and live with their dog Lilah, have been part of the hosting scheme for four years, and Ava is their fifth house guest.

SASH now has 19 host families who offer emergency overnight accomodation, or longer-term supported lodgings to vulnerable young people.

"It's nerve-wracking at first because you worry about the unknown," Beth explains.

"But with the 'match meeting' happening first, you know who they are, so they're not a complete stranger."

Beth says hosting is like "having a best friend and a roommate all at the same time".

"Ava eats meals with us, we have Sunday dinner with her. We watch TV together and we chat about what's actually going on in our lives."

The couple, who both work in private healthcare administration, agree there is "a lot of reward" in helping a young person - but giving a stranger a key to your house also comes with some challenges.

They have dealt with late-night arrivals, forgotten keys and loud phone calls, but try and take things in their stride. They have now registered the second spare room in their three-bedroom home with SASH.

Mike says: "You need to have empathy because there are times when young people don't come from the nicest backgrounds.

"It can take time for them to open up and it can take time for them to feel comfortable - so you need to be patient."

Beth agrees that it takes "a certain type of person" to let somebody into their home.

"You have to figure out who they are and work with whatever problems might come along - and work with them to find solutions."

The practical help Mike and Beth have given their guests includes teaching them to budget, write a CV, prepare for job interviews and cook meals.

SASH provides ongoing support and a review of the placement takes place every six weeks.

Ava has a case worker and Mike and Beth are given £130 per week by SASH in expenses.

Ava was referred to SASH two months ago, and she says living with Mike and Beth makes her feel "safe and secure".

"I felt like I was lost in the system - you feel like you don't have someone to talk to," she recalls.

"I take my hat off to them - it can't be easy because you don't know who is going to walk through the door.

"It makes me too sad to think about where I would be, if I'm honest, but I'm here now, I think that's the main thing and it's because of what everyone here has done for me."

The number of young people needing support is increasing, and this year it is estimated that nearly 124,000 young people will be at risk of, or will experience, homelessness, according to the charity Centrepoint.

It said the common causes of youth homelessness include family breakdown, leaving local authority care, exclusion from school, gang crime, escaping violence and mental health issues.

Nick Tilney, the placement manager at SASH, says it is important to ensure that people "don't end up in a homelessness cycle" as the issue is more complex than merely the provision of accommodation.

The charity receives some council funding but relies heavily on fundraising from supporters.

For Mike, Beth and Ava, the solution has been a safe place where she can recover and look to the future.

Beth says: "I remember the first day I met Ava, and she's come on so much and she's so strong, it's really good to see that.

The couple admit that the end of a placement is a bittersweet moment for them.

"It's amazing to see that that's their next chapter and they are going on to do amazing things," Mike adds.

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