“Before I came here I was unable to find myself a home. The programs they had were very helpful, they taught me life skills such as budgeting. They even donated furniture to get me started. Even after I left I am still able to come back and receive food and personal care packages. Jason, age 17.

YWS housing workers focus on placing youth in permanent, affordable housing. 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. Workshop 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, personal hygiene and laundry, nutrition and meal planning on a budget.

Moving out: each year, we are successful in helping 75 to 100 homeless youth move permanently off the street and into their own stable housing. We coordinate move-ins and we are often able to provide donated furniture, household goods and On The Move packages to help the youth get established.

Staying in touch through the Supper Club: 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.

The Housing Program Coordinator shares her thoughts:

“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. Every day I am faced with new people with different struggles, who are looking for the guidance and support needed to find and maintain permanent housing. It is truly a 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 helped them.” Laura G.