Youth HomelessnessinTorontoBy Chelsea, Emily, Isabel, Julia and Michaela

Homelessness Myths 1. “They want to be homeless or they are to blame to be

homeless”

Most homeless youth are victims from some sort of violence or abuse and have been forced to leave. Less than 6% of homeless youth have chosen this life.

2. “Homeless youth live on the streets”

Most homeless youth live in temporary beds, with friends or relatives, in church basements, in welfare motels and in abandoned buildings and vehicles.

3. “Homeless youth and violent and dangerous”

They are almost always the victims of crimes such as rape, assault and robbery and not the perpetrators.

http://www.yws.on.ca/youth-homelessness/myths

Discrimination, Abuse and Neglecto Homosexual and bisexual men earn 14-16% less than heterosexual men

o They average Caucasian’s household income is $67,175, while the

averages African-American’s is $39,760, that’s a 41% decrease

o 20% of teens end up homeless due to feeling neglected and unwanted

o 70% of homeless teens have experienced sexual, emotional or physical abuse

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/news/2012/04/16/11494/the-gay-and-transgender-wage-gap/http://www.businessinsider.com/the-income-gap-between-blacks-and-whites-2013-8

Financial Issues and Povertyo After a teen turns a certain age, they may be kicked out of the house and if they have no

place to go, they can become homeless

o Rises and falls in the economy can affect how many jobs are available for youth

o New, young immigrants may not be able to afford housing

o These issues may have been caused by the discrimination, abuse and neglect listed before

Parental Status and Relationship

o Depending on a teens's relationship with a parent, the chance of being abused could increase

o Violence at home affects 2 million Canadians a year

o A teen will sometimes leave a home if it is no longer providing the needs and support for them

o 40% of homeless youth have a history of foster care or group home care

This is the main cause of youth homelessness.

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Youth Without ShelterAbout our charity

Purpose, values and a brief history

MissionYouth Without Shelter is an emergency residence and referral agency serving homeless youth. We are dedicated to providing shelter and support programs

for homeless youth ages 16-24. We provide an independent shelter, committed to diverse, client-focused services, in a safe, non-judgemental

environment. Our programs enable youth to live responsibly and independently in society.

Values: Accountability, client-focused, collaboration, communication, creativity, excellence, diversity, integrity, respect.

Vision: Ending homelessness…one youth at a time, one step at a time.

http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf

What YWS Provides to the Youth

o 17,757 safe shelter nights

o 88,785 nutritious meals and snacks

o 84 youth employed through the Employment Program

o 68 youth permanently housed

o 448 food and hygiene packages distributed to former residents

http://www.yws.on.ca/photoshttp://www.yws.on.ca/get-help

o 237 monthly transit passes enabled youth in the Stay in School Program to continue their education

o 5,256 client case management meetings guided youth in mapping out their next steps

o 1,000’s of school supplies, hygiene products and clothing items helped youth reach for their goals

o 478 life skills and educational workshops in the Steps to Success Program

A Youth’s Story and Positive Outcome

http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf

"I feel safe here, therefore, I can concentrate on my studies. If I wasn't in a place like this, I would have been on the street" Sarah, age 17

“This program [Stay-in-School] helps me believe in myself and helps me realize that I can be who I want to be” Peter, age 16

“The work you guys do is incredible and you change more lives than you will ever know.” Nichole, 16 years after leaving YWS

“I felt more welcomed into this shelter than I have felt anywhere else. They helped me believe in myself and

they helped me realize that I can do whatever I want to in life as long as I put my mind to it.” Melissa, age 18

*All quotes taken from the Youth Without Shelter website: YWS.on.ca

HOW WOULD YOUTH WITHOUT SHELTERSPEND THE GRANT?

Source: http://www.yws.on.ca/

How does YWS receive funding?▪ Most of their income comes from the Canadian

Government

▪ The secondary source of funds are from fundraising or grants.

▪ Only 8% of funds are given by United Way; a corporate sponsor.

This data was taken from the YWS 2012-2013 impact report.

http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf

Where They Spend Their Money

http://www.yws.on.ca/photos

Local volunteers making an impact for their community

How Effective is the Charity at Spending their Resources?

Only 4.4% is spent on Administration, while almost 10x that is used on Residential costs; an imperative program at the shelter.

This data was taken from YWS’s 2012-2013 impact report.

http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf

Primary Use of the Grant▪ The shelter is in need of updated furniture for the facilities

▪ This will directly impact the Youth Without Shelter local community

▪ Safer furniture will prevent accidents for all in the building

How the YWS Community Benefits from the Grant

http://www.yws.on.ca/photos

A youth talking to

an employme

nt counselor

These are some youth outside the doors of Youth without Shelter

http://www.yws.on.ca/