Young People in Easington are among the most disadvantaged in the UK . Easington Youthbuild supports and enables local young people (aged 16-25) to work, live and contribute to the life of their community by providing local, affordable housing and training opportunities through the renovation of empty/derelict properties. It recruits and trains local young people, particularly those excluded from education, in construction industry skills through the renovation of properties in the local area. It will work to build the self confidence and worth of those on the programme and so improve their transition to independence, employment and further training. Funding is needed to buy materials and equipment for the refurbishment of houses which can then be let to those who are homeless or at risk. Any amount of support will help to buy plaster, paint, kitchen or bathroom equipment or pay for additional training. The first three houses have now been refurbiished and we are supporting 6 tenants to become independent as soon as possible. We are now trying to buy properties so that we can grow the number of houses more quickly as there is an even greater need for both the training and the accomodation support during the recession. We have taken out a loan from the Social Investment Business to buy further properties and are still seeking funding to support refurbishment, training and furninshing costs