National youth homeless charity Depaul UK says demand in London for the emergency accommodation it provides quadrupled last year.
As a result it has launched a campaign to encourage potential volunteers to sign up to for its Nightstop service – emergency accommodation for 16- to 25-year-olds in the homes of approved volunteers who are willing to provide help for young people in need.
Around 700 volunteers currently take part in the scheme.
In 2014, Nightstop provided 13,400 "bed nights" compared with 11,755 bed nights in 2013, an increase of 14 per cent.
However Depaul says further capacity is urgently required.
Martin Houghton-Brown, chief executive of Depaul, said: “More young people than ever are sleeping in unsafe places.
"We saw demand for our emergency accommodation services soar over 300 per cent in London last year.
“Nightstop has been running for over 20 years and our experience shows it is a safe and positive experience for volunteers and for young people who come to stay.
“It also helps us make a lasting change in young people’s lives – much more so than a bit of spare change will do.”
Depaul has launched a poster campaign and encourage potential volunteers to contact Depaul and sign up.
Nightstop volunteer Nancy, a teacher from Enfield, said: “In the beginning people may worry that they will get a stereotypical homeless youth battling with drugs and drink come through the door. But this is just not how it is.
“You don’t have to be a trained social worker to help – often all it takes is a smile, a roof over their heads and a warm meal to turn someone’s life around.”
Last month CYP Now reported that councils are flouting the law by turning away half of the homeless teenagers who ask them for help.
Those interested in volunteering can text NIGHTSTOP to 70660 or visit www.depauluk.org
