Covenant House Toronto is responding to the increased need for shelter we’re seeing in our community and extending care again this winter to support our community’s most vulnerable residents. Our Youth Winter Respite Program provides 16–24-year-olds with a safe place to sleep, and access to basic necessities and critical services that help break the cycle of homelessness. We sat down with Francis Nuamah, who supervises the program, to learn more about its life-changing impact on youth in need beyond winter.
Q: What is the Youth Winter Respite Program, and why is it important for youth during the colder months?
A: Our Youth Winter Respite Program operates in addition to our year-round emergency crisis shelter program and is extending care to offer youth experiencing homelessness a safe place to stay during winter season. Launched in November and open 24/7, we ensure every youth gets warm meals, secure storage for their belongings, blankets and personal care items.
It’s so important that youth have a safe and warm space to go to escape the elements. This program not only helps protect them from the dangers of cold weather, but it also gives them access to many supports and resources we have here at Covenant House, such as healthcare, education and employment services. It’s being connected to these types of supports that will help them break the cycle of homelessness and build their path forward.
Q: What specific services and supports do youth receive when they access the Youth Winter Respite Program?
A: Youth participating in the winter respite program have their immediate needs met and are provided with food, shelter, and safety. They can also use showers, laundry facilities, and are able to build relationships with supportive staff who can help them create community and a sense of belonging.
Youth who are experiencing health challenges can access care onsite in our health clinic, where they can get assessed and provided with any medication they might need. If they are looking to get back on their education journey or find a job, we connect them with our onsite school and employment centre. These supports provide stability and hope, helping youth take steps towards their brighter future.
Q: Can you tell us about how last year’s Winter Respite program went?
A: Last year, we supported 151 youth through this program, making a real difference in their lives. We’re so proud to say that by the end of winter, none of the youth who participated in the program returned to the streets. We either welcomed them into our shelter or helped them find stable housing in the community.
Q: Why is it important to have a youth-specific Winter Respite Program rather than general services that serve all ages? What impact does it have?
A: A youth-specific winter respite program is essential because youth need age-appropriate care and supports tailored to their unique needs and experiences.
The impact of having a safe, warm space for young people is profound – it allows them to focus on their future, build skills, and take steps towards breaking the cycle of homelessness so that doesn’t have to be a part of their tomorrow.
Q: Why is this program needed now more than ever?
A: There is a lack of shelter beds for vulnerable youth experiencing homelessness and this expansion of our care in addition to the shelter beds we do have will help meet an increased need in our community. Here they’re safe and supported and I hope we can repeat the same success as last year helping more young people, through this program, on their journeys forward.