Youth Called YWS Home
Case Management Meetings
Data representing last fiscal year, April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
The Youth Without Shelter (YWS) Emergency Residential Program offers emergency accommodation for up to 33 youth each night. The program meets the immediate needs of the youth by providing them with crisis counselling, safe shelter, nutritious food, new clothing, and hygiene products.
We are a house where a youth’s culture and needs are understood, and where each youth can receive practical support, guidance, mental health and wellness support, and training through a wrap-around model of programs. All operations are trauma-informed and designed to be youth-centric, build self-esteem and resiliency, and focus on personal strengths.
%
of homeless youth have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness
%
of youth have reported violent victimization including sexual assault, and 63% reported childhood trauma and abuse as key factors leading to homelessness
%
share that they have declining mental health with significant symptoms of distress and over 40% have attempted suicide
As of April 1, 2026, Youth Without Shelter has enhanced its Emergency Residential Program to better support the youth we serve. Under this strengthened model, the former YWS Life Skills and Employment supports are now delivered directly by Primary Case Managers (PCMs), who work one-on-one with youth throughout their stay. Each PCM supports a small caseload, ensuring continuity of care from intake through to housing stabilization and next steps.
By bringing life skills development, employment preparation, job search support, and housing assistance together under one dedicated Primary Case Manager, youth are supported by a single, consistent point of contact. This integrated approach reflects our commitment to Trauma-Informed Care and a Strength-Based (Resilience) Model of Care by prioritizing trust, continuity, and individualized goal planning. All resident youth continue to have access to comprehensive mental health supports, including dedicated mental health services and an on-site clinician through our Care Clinic.
Previous Life Skills Program
Data representing last fiscal year, April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Number of Youth Served
Time Spent on Client Meetings, Life Skills and Employment
Previous Employment Program
Data representing last fiscal year, April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Number of Youth Served
Number of Youth Employed
Number of Youth with Volunteer Experience
I turned to YWS when I was only 16 years old. I walked into the house, crying, feeling my life was over and I had nobody to turn to. I felt more welcomed into this shelter than I have felt anywhere else. They helped me believe in myself and they helped me realize that I can do whatever I want to in life as long as I put my mind to it.
