Forest YMCA offers converted shipping containers to homeless

Young homeless people in east London could soon be living in converted shipping containers as part of plans to help them save up for permanent homes. 

The containers, which cost £20,000 each, will see residents pay 30% of the minimum wage - about £75 per week. 

They have a bed, television, small kitchen and a toilet and shower. Charity Forest YMCA hopes the temporary accommodation will act as a "stepping stone" for young people moving towards independent living.

 No deposit will be needed and the charity hopes to pay for them through donations and government funding.

Forest YMCA has run a trial of the project for the past nine months in a car park while it applies for permanent planning permission for sites in Leytonstone and Walthamstow. About 120 people are on the waiting list.