From homelessness to nursing placement in Wolverhampton, Clotilda’s journey is truly inspiring.
She lives in a YMCA flat, a social rent home where she has resided for two years. Clotilda is currently on a nursing placement at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and is pursuing a degree in medicine.
Eight years ago, she came from Zimbabwe and struggled with homelessness. The YMCA’s support inspired her, and now she is a trustee, eager to help others.
Y Living offers affordable homes and helps young people become independent. The YMCA provides a safe place and serves as a trusted landlord.
More flats are being built, with Morro Partnerships constructing 30 for the YMCA at Dixon House in Wolverhampton. Morro is also building 63 homes for Walsall Housing Group next to Dixon House. Richard Parker supports these projects.
Clotilda was put into care at 15 and came to England to live with family, but it did not work out for her. A teacher helped her speak out, and police and social services got involved, sending her to the YMCA.
The YMCA placed her with a family, enabling her to finish school and attend Keele University, where she earned a science degree. Wanting more education, she came to Wolverhampton for nursing and needed her own space; again, the YMCA helped.
They had a flat for her, and she moved in quickly. University started soon after, close to her home, and her placement is at New Cross.
She feels more independent now, with peace of mind, allowing her to focus on her studies. She can cook and sleep in a warm bed, all made possible by the YMCA.
She is finishing her nursing placement. She works with surgeons in the theater, solidifying her desire to become a surgeon. Medical school is next.
She wants other young people to know help exists. She acknowledges being scared to speak up, but found help when she did.
Steve Bavington leads YMCA Black Country. He says new homes change lives as rent costs have greatly increased, making it hard to become independent.
Affordable, high-quality housing matters significantly, helping young people a lot. It reduces stress and gives them hope for the future.
It’s a step toward owning a home, allowing people to save money and have a safe place to live, becoming part of a community. There is a big need for this, and the YMCA offers support to these young people.
Richard Parker helped fund the project. It will benefit families and children, providing a good start.