Emergency Shelter
The Shelter is a 35 bed program that provides homeless and street involved male youth ages 16-24 with food, accommodation and informal counselling in a safe structured and inclusive environment. Referrals to the program come from youth themselves, or other services within the community, such as, street outreach programs, police, probation, etc. The Emergency Shelter is located at 95 Wellesley Street East with easy access to the TTC.
The Shelter utilizes a client focused, strengths based approach to create individualized Action Plans for each client, respecting diversity of race, culture, religion and sexuality. Interventions are relationship based and focus on narrative, solution focused and cognitive behavioural approaches. Plans of Action are developed based on client strengths and are focused on building support for the areas of need related to independent living. The Shelter offers youth a supportive environment, where they are expected to follow the routines, and participate in the programs, including a weekly Resident's Meeting. Programming within the Shelter focuses on addressing the basic needs of youth, developing independent living skills, reconnecting youth to community resources and recreational and leisure activities. Programming is provided through the Housing and Community Support Program connected to the Shelter.
The Shelter is staffed by a team of Shelter Youth Workers, with a minimum of 2 staff scheduled at all times. The program has access to the agency's Clinical and Counselling Team for consultation and/or referral, as deemed appropriate.
The Shelter Staff work collaboratively with other community resources involved with the youth to coordinate Action Plans and ensure that the clients' needs are being met. Family members and significant others connected to the youth are encouraged to participate in services in order to support the youth and their plan.
Youth are encouraged to reconnect with the Shelter following discharge for support as required.
