Youth Homelessness
Homelessness is one of the most isolating, lonely and stressful experiences a person can endure. Young people living on the streets are particularly vulnerable, often dealing with complex challenges that include abuse, addiction, mental illness, legal issues and extreme poverty.
It’s estimated that one-third of Vancouver’s homeless population are youth under the age of 25. In fact, the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count found a total of 397 homeless youth. This was the highest number of homeless youth ever found in our region. And this number is low, as it does not include young people missed by census takers, sleeping on friends’ couches, or teetering on the brink of homelessness.
Vancouver Foundation's Youth Homelessness Initiative
Tackling youth homelessness is a priority for Vancouver Foundation. Our strategy, described in our Youth Homelessness Initiative report, is to support innovative solutions that are anchored by accessible, affordable and supported housing options.
Our goal is to help break the cycle of homelessness for our most vulnerable young people. This includes offering supports that keep youth off the streets in the first place. We’re seeing positive impacts on young lives. We’re learning and sharing best practices for supporting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in their transition to adulthood and independent living. We’re confirming that homelessness is not an insurmountable problem.
In 2012, we will work with youth, community partners, funders and policy makers to build a system of common values, networks and supports that ensure all young people enjoy the rights and responsibilities of finding safe, accessible and affordable homes. Your support now has the potential to make a difference... for the rest of their lives.
For more information:
Mark Gifford
Director, Grants and Community Initiatives
Vancouver Foundation
mark.gifford@vancouverfoundation.ca
Natalie Ord
Assistant, Grants and Community Initiatives
Vancouver Foundation
natalie.ord@vancouverfoundation.ca
Vancouver Foundation provided $500,000 to create an organization called Streetohome along with the City of Vancouver and the Province of B.C. Streetohome takes a different approach to homelessness – raising private money to help buy units of housing for people who are homeless.
Vancouver Foundation works with the Canada Mental Health Commission on a research project to determine how best to help mentally ill people who are homeless and struggling with addictions.
This four-year project plans to house and provide support for 300 homeless people in our city, in order to determine the most effective strategies to help them stay off the streets and reintegrate into society.
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Donate to help end
youth homelessness and we'll TRIPLE YOUR GIFT.
For a limited time, Vancouver Foundation will be able to triple your gift to our Youth Homelessness Initative Fund. Find out more here.
SUCCESS STORIES
No Place Like Home
A young couple with newborn went from couch surfing to a stable home of their own.
[ View Story ]
A Place to Unpack
Housing support helped Vanessa finish high school and stay off the streets.
[ View Story ]
