What was known as YMCA Bedfordshire has now been re-branded IMPAKT Housing & Support - but the fantastic help for homeless continues.
The organisation was always an independent charity operating under the YMCA title. Now it has moved out from under the YMCA umbrella.
The newly branded locations include:
The Arcade IMPAKT Interiors, where fashionable up-cycle articles are sold
The Church Arcade IMPAKT Food, where 200 people a week collect groceries to save it going to landfill. Previously second-hand furniture was available here, but a new location is being sought.
IMPAKT housing offers accommodation to the homeless aged 16 - 60+, in the Borough of Bedford at
Weaver House, Gibbons Road
The Foyer, Conduit Road
Cornerstone, Tavistock Street
St George’s Road
Linden Road
as well as supported lodgings across the county, two women’s refuges and the large Midland House in Kings Street, Luton.
IMAPKT housing & support has a turnover of £5 Million a year, 80 staff and is the largest charitable provider of housing for the homeless in Bedfordshire. It operates as a housing association with more than 75% of its income coming from rents. But it relies on charitable support for much of its other work.
CEO Paul Hunt is an Observer on the BedfordBID board offering his expert advice on issues impacting on the town centre. His wife Lisa runs the beloved Arcadia Sweet Shop in The Arcade.