Who We Are

Youth Without Shelter – commonly known as ‘YWS’ – is a charity offering shelter and support for youth facing homelessness in the GTA. Since our founding in 1986, when a group of teachers came together to create a safe place for youth after seeing the need within their classrooms, we have been providing client-focused services in a non-judgmental environment for youth aged 16 – 24. Located in North Etobicoke, we are a house where a youth’s culture and needs are understood, and where each youth can receive shelter, one-on-one guidance, mental health and wellness supports, and training, through our wrap-around model of programming. All operations are trauma-informed and designed to build self-esteem and resiliency, and focus on personal strengths. Together, with our experienced team of staff, we recognize the individual needs of each youth we serve, and empower them to discover their own unique path out of homelessness, and to live responsibly and independently within our society.