Housing Program
" So far I got a part-time job and the housing workers are helping me apply to a group home and then I am going to go to school." a former resident
The Housing Program addresses the obstacles faced by homeless youth that interfere with the achievement of independent and stable living conditions. Housing workers provide residents with options and work with them through the process of attaining permanent housing. They also liaise with landlords and assist in housing searches and placements.
Education is provided to equip youth with the skills needed to acquire and maintain independent housing.
Topics include:
eviction prevention
living with roommates
tenant rights
Ontario Works welfare process
how to apartment search
experience of living on your own
budgeting
cooking
interpersonal skills
nutrition and meal planning on a budget
A resident checks the housing board.
Moving Out
Each year, we are successful in helping 70 - 80 homeless youth move permanently off the street and into stable housing. We coordinate move-ins and we are often able to provide donated furniture and household goods.
Keeping in Touch
We continue to support former residents through The Supper Club, which meets every other week. Through this club, we offer dinner, a take-home food package, hygiene products and counseling. Our counseling, referral services and workshops are all made available to former residents.
Where can I begin when telling others about my experience of being a housing worker? I have worked in the housing department at Youth Without Shelter for the past six years. Everyday I am faced with new people with different struggles, who are looking for the guidance and support needed to find and maintain permanent housing. The Housing Program is so much more than just helping our residents to find a place to live. It is counselling, support, education, advocacy, food, hygiene and furniture packages and home visits.
I can say that although my work can be challenging at times, it is also very rewarding when I have been able to help someone make a positive step forward in their life. It is a truly heart warming experience when a former resident calls me, even years later, to just say hi, tell me how they are doing and let me know that they have not forgotten how we have helped them. I can genuinely say that over the years the residents that I have worked with have enriched my life as much as I hope I have enriched theirs.
Laura, Housing Program Coordinator
