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.
THE NEED
There are an estimated 2,000 youth facing homelessness each night with less than 400 beds to meet the need
THE SUPPORT
Almost 100,000 secure bed nights have been provided through YWS with half a million meals/ snacks and more than 30,000 one-on-one case management counselling sessions (1986-2019)
%
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
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.
