THIS World Homeless Day, the YMCA Black Country Group’s Open Door Project is asking people to go a step further than donating cash.

The project, which places homeless young people with host families, is asking people with a spare room to consider letting a teenager stay with them for the night.

Supported lodgings manager, Rachael Taylor, said: “Being a host is a great way for people to really make a difference.

"We receive referrals from Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton and urgently need more hosts across the Black Country to offer a safe place for vulnerable teenagers to stay.”

Current hosts include single people, married couples and families with children.

Hosts receive more than £100 per week for providing supported lodgings accommodation and nightstop hosts can claim £20 per night in expenses for providing dinner, bed and breakfast.

Full training and support is provided by the YMCA.

A free preparation course is being held this month for anyone interested in finding out more.

Sessions are being held on October 12, 17 and 19 at the YMCA in Carter's Green, West Bromwich, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

To book a place or for more information, email jonathan.crust@ymcabc.org.uk or call 0121 524 1957.