The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is actively involved in working toward reducing youth homelessness in collaboration with a group of community partners.
The efforts are coordinated through the Taking Action on Youth Homelessness Committee, explains the YWCA’s Shannon Wagner.
The purpose is the prevention, diversion and housing of youth who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Elgin county.
To commemorate 10 years of youth homelessness and housing instability prevention, a free event open to the public will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. May 29 at the Elgin County Railway Museum.
It is an event guaranteed to be filled with hope for the future and plans to address and end youth homelessness in St. Thomas and Elgin county.
The Taking Action on Youth Homelessness Committee has assembled guest speakers to address the benefits and challenges of a youth homelessness protocol.
Wagner explains the format for the free event open to the public.
Through the Youth Homelessness Protocol at the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, housing based case managers assist youth find or maintain housing and achieve an optimum quality of life.
Case manager Jenny Sager talks about the challenges these youth face.
Wagner advises they are seeing an increase in the number of younger teens accessing their services.
These young people often have not been exposed to basic life skills.
The protocol assists young people in:
- Developing plans
- Enhancing life skills
- Addressing heath and mental health needs
- Engaging in meaningful activities
- Building social and community relations
- Accessing education and employment
If you are a youth 16-24 years old or know of a homeless youth in need of support, access the Youth Homelessness Protocol by calling 519-631-9800 extension 237 during business hours 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or by calling 2-1-1 evenings and weekends.
