Youth Without Shelter

Helix House

Safe Bed Nights

Youth Served

Youth Check-in Meetings

Data representing last fiscal year, April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024

Helix House

Helix House is a cornerstone of YWS’s “Helix Project,” our ambitious expansion initiative launched in November 2022. This 24-bed facility represents a bold step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of youth experiencing homelessness.

Originally acquired as a rooming house, Helix House provides a unique living arrangement where YWS serves as the landlord for existing tenants. We currently utilize six rooms – five serving as bedrooms for youth in our Stay in School (SIS) Program, and one as an office space. These 5 rooms serve as supportive housing for “SIS Helix” youth, there are 6 deeply affordable housing units available for YWS After-Care youth, with the other 18 rooms remaining accessible to the community as deeply affordable housing units.
As a historic building, Helix House requires significant upgrades and ongoing maintenance. All rental income generated from the deeply affordable housing rooms is reinvested directly into its upkeep, ensuring it remains a safe and reliable home for years to come.

Helix House and the YWS Stay in School Program

To ensure a seamless transition into their new home, Helix House features an on-site Stay in School office staffed by dedicated professionals. This office provides tailored support to each resident, ensuring their move into Helix House is as comfortable and empowering as possible. Staffed 5 days a week, our case workers are available to assist youth with meal planning, accessing academic supports, and engaging in our community through day trips or on-site events – the same support youth who reside in YWS enjoy. 
With the growing housing crisis in the Greater Toronto Area, YWS remains committed to addressing these challenges head-on, offering affordable housing solutions and personalized aftercare to help youth transition successfully to independence. Helix House offers a crucial lifeline for students, providing affordable housing in a welcoming neighbourhood with access to essential resources.
We are thrilled to take our model of care and wrap-around supports to greater heights, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff, donors, supporters, and community allies. Together, we will not only “end youth homelessness, one youth at a time, one step at a time,” but also continue to empower youth to reach their individual potential.

“When I was moving out of YWS to Helix House, I was excited to be living on my own. I was able to become more independent, but I still get help if I need it. Being at Helix House helped me develop good habits to be able to pay for rent and bills. I like my room. I have my own space to relax, listen to music, and watch my shows peacefully. Here I get assistance and encouragement to reach my goals.”

Helix House Resident Youth

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