Supporting youth experiencing homelessness in winter at our on-site health clinic

 

Winter is especially challenging for youth experiencing homelessness and can lead to serious potential health risks. The team in Covenant House’s BensKids Health Centre help youth stay healthy and safe year-round. We spoke with Paula Utomi, a Registered Nurse in the clinic, about the health risks to youth during winter and how we help in the colder months. 

Why is winter particularly challenging for youth experiencing homelessness? 

Without a safe, warm place to stay, youth experiencing homelessness are at increased risks of hypothermia and frostbite as their body temperature drops, the longer they spend outside. Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV also become more common, while shorter days and increased isolation can take a toll on mental health. These risks make it even more urgent for youth experiencing homelessness to have a safe place to go, where they can get care and support. 

How does Covenant House address these health concerns?
Having an on-site clinic at Covenant House makes a big difference for the young people we help. We make it as easy as possible for youth to get care, for example not requiring they have a health card or other identification, they’re going to get help regardless. Our wellness team, which includes doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, counselors, and a psychiatrist, is always here for the youth who come to our doors. 

How specifically does Covenant House help youth get their health needs met in winter? 

When youth come in from the cold, they immediately find a warm, welcoming environment at Covenant House. Here, they can get something nutritious to eat, we treat any injuries or wounds they may have suffered while outside, and we connect them with our wellness team for ongoing care. It’s so important that we focus on mental health and on building community: We connect youth with life-skills programs and activities that help build relationships, confidence, and a sense of connection that helps them build their path forward.  

What is the impact of these efforts on youth? 

Just being here for youth as an easy place to get care makes a huge difference in their safety and well-being. Last winter, many youth who came in from the cold and became part of our winter respite program saw us in the clinic and this helped prevent their health issues from escalating. For many of those youth, the easy access to care and the safety of our program may have been the only reason they sought help.  

By addressing both physical and mental health needs, we help reduce the risks associated with homelessness in the winter. We want to make sure we not only to meet the immediate needs of the young people who show up at our doors, but to help pave the way for a healthier, more stable future for each and every one of them.

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