The percentage of Maltese seeking accommodation at YMCA has decreased relative to the foreign population, probably due to the increase in said population. However the total figures show a global increase in accepted residents.

“Homelessness is a growing problem in Malta. Many factors contribute to homelessness in Malta, including rising housing costs, loss of employment, mentalhealth issues, substance abuse and family breakdown.”

“Homelessness is also a particular problem for migrants, who may face additional barriers to accessing housing and support services.”- YMCA

YMCA Director Jean Paul Mifsud stated that nearly 30 years have passed since these new realities of homelessness started being tackled.

“Looking back over the decades, one can surely see that Malta has managed to address some of the many facets of the reality of homelessness. Most times, there wasn’t a collective effort or national strategy, but nonetheless, many of the persons were offered support and assistance.”

“Following the publication of this compendium of data, which by no means is definite or exhaustive or which even paints a clear picture of the reality over the decades, we have an idea, a snapshot if you will, of the realities and trends which YMCA noticed in the field of homelessness.”

“I would like to end this short introductory note by asking whether it is the time to focus, as a nation, on a national policy and strategy tackling homelessness in Malta with an end goal date, say 2030?”

Photo credit: Justine Cutajar

Did you realise that homelessness has become a pressing issue in the Maltese Islands?