Four apartments at The Eades, the build-to-rent development in central Walthamstow, are being set aside as subsidised move-on accommodation for young people leaving supported housing.

The arrangement is a partnership between YMCA St Paul's Group, the London charity that supports young and vulnerable people at risk of homelessness, and LandAid, the property industry charity, working with developer Long Harbour and operator Way of Life.

It runs through LandAid's Build to Rent Pathfinder, a scheme that lets developers allocate homes within new rental developments to charities for affordable move-on accommodation. The target group is residents who are ready to leave supported housing but who run into barriers in the private rental market. Alongside the flats themselves, LandAid is providing grant funding towards rent deposits, furnishing and move-in costs — the up-front expenses that tend to block a move at exactly the point it becomes possible.

The homes count towards #BuildingFutures, a YMCA movement to create 10,000 homes across England and Wales in response to the youth housing crisis.

Richard James, chief executive of YMCA St Paul's Group, said: "Soaring rents, a lack of safe and affordable homes, and the constant risk of homelessness are leaving many young and vulnerable people feeling stuck, isolated and locked out of the futures they deserve. By working with LandAid, Long Harbour and Way of Life, we are opening access to high-quality homes that would normally be out of reach for our residents. This partnership shows how Build to Rent can play a practical role in supporting young people into independent living."

Paul Morrish, chief executive at LandAid, pointed to the affordability test as the sticking point. "Many young people facing or experiencing homelessness are in work, education, or training but remain trapped in the cycle of homelessness as they cannot pass the affordability test for a tenancy," he said. "This is where the Build to Rent Pathfinder initiative makes such a difference."

The four Pathfinder flats sit within a much larger scheme. Rebecca Taylor, managing director at Long Harbour, said that of the 495 homes at The Eades, 99 were delivered at a discount to market rent for key workers living and working in Waltham Forest, and that the Pathfinder units "sit alongside this substantial provision, further strengthening the scheme's social impact".

She added that since opening last year the building has taken on a role in the area, including a partnership with the William Morris Gallery, and that it has raised £21,336 for LandAid.

Sowgol Zarinchang, managing director at Way of Life, said: "Community is at the heart of our work at Way of Life, and we are delighted to continue working with LandAid long-term by providing these apartments to YMCA. The team look forward to welcoming our new residents and watching them thrive in their new homes."

YMCA St Paul's Group is one of London's largest providers of specialist supported accommodation, offering a safe place to stay for around 1,250 people each night.