Seeking to promote the vision to build a more just society

We have been in operation since 1976. Every day we care for the physical and spiritual well-being of the most vulnerable in our community.

We run five main services that directly provide for the wellbeing of others. They are interrelated yet tasked with different responsibilities:

In addition to our work directly in service to those in need, YMCA Malta is a research-based organisation that forms its programmes on the basis of its own scientific study. Given the length of time we have been around, and due to our meticulous statistical data, we are able to offer insight into homeless/roofless trends on our islands. We periodically publish these findings, laying the groundwork for our future endeavours, as well as that of fellow NGOs and government officials. 

Trends & Findings

• Every month from Jan–June 2024, we received an average of 43 new cases of homeless and roofless individuals requiring emergency shelter. 166 of these were Maltese, 22 were EU nationals, and 71 were non-EU nationals.

• In 2023, 48% of those requiring shelter were Maltese; an 11% increase over 2022. 

• In 2023 the average age of minors living in our shelters was 5.

• In 2023 we received 36 cases of homeless/roofless individuals aged 60+.

• Rent prices, low salaries resulting in financial hardship, relationship issues, and domestic violence remain the top reasons why Maltese people experience homeless/rooflessness.

• Young people between 18 and 35 were the population most often asking for mental health support; mostly due to anxiety, depression, and family issues.

Our Response

Between Jan-June 2024 we have conducted the following work

Youth & Family Prevention & Outreach Services

• 15+ educational workshops, talks and seminars provided in the community.

• 65 active service users assisted with counselling & psychotherapy; a total of 685 sessions provided through this period.

• Facilitated the participation of 848 youths across the youth work programme with 33+ different activities.

• Participated in 1 International youth work exchange.

• Hosted 13 debates on youth topics and 1 public conference, exposing young people to MEPs & EU elections.

• Published 2 research reports.

Residential Shelters & Care Programme Services:

• 119 cases have been provided with shelter & care programmes through 3 facilities, with 48 successfully moving back into the community.

• 8,563 bed nights provided to date.

Community & Aftercare Services:

• 4,876 social work & other interventions carried out in the community.

• 560 individual service users supported in the past 12-months.

• 180 active service users assisted in the past 3 months at our Drop-in Centre, of which 110 are roofless cases and 30 homeless cases. All are provided with bathing, laundry, cooking, internet and telephone facilities, food, and access to Social Work services.

As with everything else in life, the work we do in service for the Maltese community costs money. Whether it is the material supplies needed to run our centres, the utilities needed to power our shelters, the staff we keep who need to pay their own bills, or our excursions enjoyed by disadvantaged youths  – running the YMCA Malta comes at an ever-growing financial burden. Alongside the annual subsidy we receive from the Maltese Government, we rely on the generosity of individuals – both public and private – to keep us going. 

Please consider making a donation using the options below, or by supporting one of our ongoing fundraising campaigns. Whether you are a corporate actor or an individual from the public, your contribution will go directly towards benefiting those most in need in our society. 

VAT: MT1790-5515

For more information on how we use donations, or to inquire about ways you can help us, please contact us here

Thank you/Grazzi ħafna