Opened in May 2023, the Ħamrun Drop-in Centre provides roofless individuals with their basic necessities while they are waiting to be allocated a place and programme in one of our homeless shelters.

This project was born from the imperative to still provide essential care to those who could otherwise not be accommodated due to shelter overcapacity. Research carried out by YMCA Malta between 2018-2022 indicated that overburdened shelters were overwhelmingly the reason we could not accept cases being referred to us (see pg. 31). The Drop-in Centre thus marks the bridge between immediate, crucial care, and longer-term placement in one of our shelters.

The Centre provides free, self-service laundry, bathing and cooking facilities, as well as access to lockers, internet and clothing and linen donations. The Centre also acts as a vital link between service users and professional social and youth workers.

Drop-In Centre Annual Impact – 2024

In 2024, YMCA Malta’s Drop-In Centre recorded over 10,000 visits, serving as a vital community hub for individuals experiencing rooflessness and at risk of long-term homelessness. September and November saw peak service use, while June reflected a seasonal dip. The most in-demand service was meal provision (6,939 meals), followed by the coffee service (7,687 cups), which played a key role in fostering social connection. Essential services like showers (2,051 uses), laundry (1,344 loads), and digital inclusion (972 sessions) supported dignity and access. Social work remained central with 2,199 interventions, over 1,300 outreach calls, and weekly referrals ranging from 14 to 25, with 7–12 new intakes. The majority of service users were male, reflecting trends in our residential services, and included both rough sleepers and individuals in unstable housing from diverse backgrounds. These insights underline the growing need for dignity-based, integrated care and aftercare services in the face of rising homelessness.

Bridge For Homeless

In collaboration with our esteemed partners, we proudly marked a significant milestone  – that of raising €18,000 in support of our mission in 2024. This initiative extended beyond CSR; it represented a united effort toward a shared commitment to social impact.  The funds directly contributed to the expansion of our shelter capacity and the enhancement of essential services, including professional social support, daily meals, access to showers, and laundry facilities. Every contribution, every effort, and every partnership was instrumental in achieving this progress. Together, we are not merely supporting a cause – we are advancing meaningful and lasting change. This sum was donated by Bridge Advice, Bank of Valletta PLC, Boston Link, Radix, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, Corpay, Ganado Advocates, Kihew Consulting & Research, (Living Sky) VallettaPay, Liquiditas, NOTO-360 Fraud and Compliance, Multitude Bank, Scenic – Luxury Cruises & Tours, Xace, NM Group, SysPay, TPF The Payments Factory & Weavr.io.

A heartfelt thank you to these companies who made this journey a success.

Bridge for Homeless Campaign is ongoing in 2025 with a target of reaching €30,000 to consolidate our Drop-In Centre facilities and create further support to individuals who are experiencing rooflessness.  If you believe in the work our team is doing in the community join Bridge for Homeless Campaign.