**Prince William Steps In: Duke of Cornwall Donates £70,000 to YMCA Cornwall, Boosting Ambitious Plan to Transform Dance Studio into Lifesaving Housing for Vulnerable Youth in Penzance**
In a heartening display of royal philanthropy, Prince William, the Duke of Cornwall, has donated £70,000 to YMCA Cornwall, marking a significant step toward the charity’s mission to provide safe, supported accommodation for young people facing hardship in Penzance. The generous contribution comes through the Prince’s charitable foundation and will support the transformation of an underused dance studio into three much-needed flats.
YMCA Cornwall has launched a £250,000 fundraising campaign to repurpose the disused space at its site in the heart of Penzance, aiming to create secure housing for youth at risk of homelessness. With Prince William’s backing, the project now has renewed momentum and increased visibility, bringing hope to the young people who rely on the charity for stability and support.
Chief Executive of YMCA Cornwall, Helen Toms, expressed deep gratitude, saying the Duke’s support was not only financial but symbolic: “This donation is a powerful endorsement of our work and a reminder to the young people we serve that they are seen and valued.”
The planned flats will offer not just shelter, but also a supportive environment where residents can access life skills training, mental health resources, and employment support—crucial tools for breaking the cycle of homelessness.
This initiative is the latest in Prince William’s long-standing commitment to tackling youth homelessness and promoting mental wellbeing. As housing insecurity continues to rise, particularly among vulnerable youth, the Duke’s intervention highlights the urgent need for sustainable, community-based solutions.
With £180,000 still to raise, YMCA Cornwall remains determined. But with the Duke of Cornwall’s support shining a national spotlight on the project, the dream of turning an empty room into a lifeline is now closer to becom
ing reality.
