‘Pensions are not enough versus the cost of living,’ says YMCA CEO

Anthony Camilleri, CEO of YMCA Malta discussed the rise of elderly clients, telling Times of Malta “pensions are not enough versus the cost of living.”

In 2024, a record 39 clients aged 60 and above turned to the organisation for support, with three of them being over 80 years old. This marks a sharp contrast to just a few years ago, when such cases were uncommon.

The upward trend is concerning. In 2023, the YMCA assisted 36 clients in the 60-plus age group, and in 2022, the number was even lower at only 17.

Mr Camilleri attributed the rise in elderly clients to the increasing financial strain they face. He also pointed to limited availability of care homes and stricter eligibility criteria that exclude those who are relatively independent but still vulnerable.

This surge in demand for services is not limited to the elderly. Mr Camilleri noted a growing trend over the past two years of Maltese nationals forming the majority of YMCA’s clients. “Maltese are now the highest, and it’s increasing,” he said.

Out of the 453 cases handled in 2024, 244 involved Maltese clients. This is a substantial increase from the 350 total cases recorded in 2023, where only 175 involved Maltese nationals.

Mr Camilleri revealed that financial difficulties and family disputes remain the leading reasons why Maltese people seek help from YMCA. He added that the shelter consistently operates at near capacity throughout the year, “it is very rare we actually have a free bed,” he said.

Another concerning rise is the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2024, the YMCA recorded 150 cases of rooflessness, a nearly fourfold increase from the 42 cases reported in 2023.

While increased awareness and willingness to seek help could partially explain this rise, Mr Camilleri also pointed to systemic changes that make it harder for homeless individuals to find shelter. These changes include the removal or modification of benches to discourage sleeping, as well as increased monitoring in public spaces.

Mr Camilleri urged the public to assist those experiencing homelessness by providing essential items and contacting YMCA to report their whereabouts. “Our team can offer support,” he explained, noting that reports can be made via YMCA’s social media accounts or through direct phone calls.

Despite the efforts of NGOs like YMCA, Mr Camilleri emphasised the urgent need for a unified national strategy to address homelessness in Malta. “It is worrying, and what we are doing is not enough,” he said, expressing concern about the lack of collaboration among NGOs.