With Heart to God

Thursday, March 09, 2006 --
Homeless young people will now have a place to stay with Monday's opening of the new $1-million Sutton Youth Shelter in the former St. Bernadette elementary school on Dalton Road.

Funded by York Region, the Salvation Army will be the service providers. The shelter will be open 24/7 and experienced front-line staff members will be on hand to direct young people aged 16 to 26 who come through the door, according to director Kathy Aitken. It is the only shelter of its kind in York Region.

In addition to short-term emergency beds, youths can also apply for a long-term stay of up to one year, while they are upgrading their skills and finding suitable employment on their way to an independent life.

They'll also have access to the adjoining Learning Centre for Georgina office and the town's youth drop-in centre. Altogether, the facility will offer extensive programming ranging from personal counseling to upgrading academic credentials and enjoying the various recreational programs offered by Jericho Youth Centre.

A government employment resource centre is across the road.
The shelter has eight beds each for men and women seeking emergency shelter (from overnight up to four months) and 10 transitional beds available for up to a year, four for men, four for women and two optional spots, depending on need.
The long-term beds include private rooms with kitchenettes and there is also a central cafeteria-lounge and laundry room. Transitional clients will be expected to contribute to rent and buy their own food when they are able.

Rent geared-to-income subsidy is also provided for the 10 transitional units, the cost dependent on tenant incomes.
The Salvation Army has extensive experience in operating shelters across Canada, said public relations director Maj. Ken Percy said.

"This really is a frontline ministry," Mr. Percy said.
"We've been instrumental in this kind of thing for many years, starting in Ontario in 1882. We are the largest independent social service provider. We're open to anyone regardless of race, creed or sexual orientation," he added.
"We believe in the old adage of giving someone a hand up rather than a hand out."

While most shelters are only accessible by referral, "ours is a show-up-at-the-door," Ms Aiken said.
"This will be first come, first served." She is a former veteran high school teacher with extensive experience in dealing with young people.

Ms Aitken said most homeless youth in York Region are "invisible" who find shelter wherever they can.
"A lot of them are couch-surfing from place to place with friends," she said, adding there are many more homeless youth than the public realizes.

They can include young men and women escaping an abusive situation at home, have been ordered to leave because of discipline issues, or chosen to stay when their family moves away.

"There are as many reasons as there are kids," Ms Aitken said. "We're expecting no shortage of clients," she added. "We'll find them the resources they will need."

Extensive renovations on the building began last year, coinciding with a smilar project for the adjacent youth drop-in centre that is funded by the Town of Georgina.
Volunteer mentors and community members who can assist in teaching a skill are welcome to apply.

From: The Salvation Army in Canada

Link from: Updates from the Front Line

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