YMCA Blackburn, established in 1896, is an integral part of the global YMCA movement. In 2016, the decision was made to transform YMCA Blackburn into Y:Housing, a support vehicle aimed at helping YMCAs across the country respond to a unique opportunity. The national YMCA body, YMCA England & Wales, offered individual local YMCAs the chance to purchase their housing stock at a 45% discount, with a deadline to complete sales by March 2018.

To prevent YMCAs from losing out on this opportunity, YMCA Blackburn, as a registered provider, re-branded as Y:Housing. They raised the necessary funds to purchase the properties and lease them back to individual YMCAs under standard management agreements. Thus far, Y:Housing has supported 9 YMCAs with 251 units of accommodation, along with an additional 45 units in Bolton and the Fylde Coast, providing a total of 296 units of affordable housing for young people in need.

YMCA Blackburn also has future developments in the pipeline, including a project in Wellington scheduled to start in quarter three, which will provide 28 units of move-on accommodation. By facilitating these initiatives, YMCA Blackburn exemplifies the YMCA's commitment to enabling people to develop their full potential in mind, body, and spirit, fostering inclusive and energizing communities where young people can thrive