“While developers file legal protests, we're dealing with the harsh reality of Malta's housing crisis every single day," Anthony Camilleri, CEO of YMCA Malta, said as he defended an affordable housing scheme being run by the government.

Under the scheme, the government will building housing units and sell them for 70% of their market value to cater for people who cannot afford current market prices but do not qualify for social housing.

The scheme has attracted criticism from the Malta Developers Association, who have filed a judicial protest against it claiming that the initiative would be denying those most in need from access to public land, creating discrimination between developers, and potentially breaching state aid rules.

But the YMCA, a key organisation dealing with homelessness in Malta, has come out in favour of the government.

"Our 52 shelter beds are constantly full, with waiting lists stretching weeks. This isn't about legal technicalities but it's about people sleeping rough because they can't afford a roof over their heads,” Camilleri said in a statement.

YMCA Malta said that its frontline data reveals the severity of Malta's housing emergency with 180 individuals sheltered in the first half of 2025 alone, a 53.5% increase, and over 5,000 entries to the Drop-in Centre providing essential service with all residential facilities at maximum capacity monthly.

“Every day we see families, working individuals, and vulnerable people who simply cannot access affordable housing in Malta's inflated market. The Foundation for Affordable Housing scheme represents hope for these people,” the organisation said.

“YMCA Malta, which has served Malta's most vulnerable since 1976, supports any initiative that makes housing accessible to ordinary Maltese families and individuals. This scheme could be the difference between someone having a home or sleeping in our shelters, or worse, on the streets,” it added.

It said that while preparing for its DAR Telethon on September 20th, raising funds to support services for the homeless, the organisation emphasises that prevention through affordable housing is more effective than crisis intervention.

“Our mission is ‘building a more just society’ where everyone has access to dignified housing. The Foundation for Affordable Housing scheme aligns perfectly with this vision. We urge all stakeholders to support solutions, not obstruct them,” the organisation concluded.