![]() For the last ten years, I've been living in a pub, with just the one room and shared facilities. ![]() He said: "It's brilliant, I'm just so happy. Ray is over the moon with his flat, which includes his own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and large living area – the first time he has had so much room for ten years. In the flats, the residents have far more room and more freedom. These include how well kept the resident is, how tidy they keep their room and their behaviour and ability when preparing meals in the kitchen area can all improve or damage their chance at moving to an on-site flat. Prostate cancer screening programme receives boost of more than £1,500 from Burton and District Chamber of Commerce.The first consideration is the length of time residents have been in the YMCA cluster rooms the longest inhabitants are normally the first to be up for the move, but other factors come into the decision too. When choosing a resident to move into a flat, when one is available, bosses at the centre go through an in-depth process. There are a number of one bedroom flats situated at the YMCA in Burton, which are managed by the charity, who decide when residents are ready to move into them. Ray spent a few weeks in a 'cluster' room, before being offered his own one-bedroom flat. Residents are always monitored in the 'cluster' rooms to make sure they are in the correct mind-set and have the ability to maintain a home independently. Signed Burton Albion shirt from the 2008/2009 season Residents in these rooms shared a single communal bathroom, and an on-site kitchen and canteen, where they are able to cook for themselves. Those needing a safe place to stay are first taken to what is known as a 'cluster' room, the first point of shelter, with 13 of these rooms at the Reconnect Centre for the homeless.Įach room comes equipped with a bed and a wardrobe, donated from charity shops, and occupants are able and encouraged to add their own furniture as and when they can afford to do so. It offers accommodation for those like Ray who find themselves falling on hard times at its Reconnect Centre, in Orchard Street. The YMCA in Burton runs vital awareness and fund-raising schemes throughout the year to help the homeless. Burton shopping centre collects hundreds for YMCA homeless charity by collecting Christmas cards.Just when he thought his luck might never change, he was offered a room by homeless charity, the YMCA. I would have to go round the back way just to get in the flat when I did, so people didn't know." "But he was worried about other residents in the block of flats reporting him for having people in the flat who shouldn't be. But luckily I had a friend and, if it was raining, he would let me stay in his flat. No people around, only people who used the other garages were around. "Luckily, the spaces that I found were very quiet. I found an old garage where I would stay. Ray Warrington is a life-long Burton Albion fan I had a big argument with the landlord's wife." "I was living with other people, in a public house. ![]() "I had to give my job up last year, I was trying to find somewhere permanent to live. If it was raining they'd let me sleep over, but all over night I was sleeping rough," Mr Warrington explained. ![]() "Some nights I was sleeping in my mate's flat, when he let me. Appeal to pay for homeless man's funeral after his sudden death aged just 26.He says that 10 years ago he treated himself to a Lord of the Rings-themed chess set and now finally he has a place he can call home to put it - a one-bedroom flat - thanks to the YMCA. Ray has lived in Burton all his life and is an avid Brewers fan and now finally he has a place to call home thanks to the YMCA. Things were so desperate at one point for the 55-year-old had to hole up in a disused garage. He has always worked but last year things got even worse when he had to give up his job and he was sleeping rough again. Ray Warrington has spent the last ten years sleeping on the streets, in a pub or "sofa surfing".
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