OneRoof Youth Services' Host Homes program expanding to neighbouring cities

OneRoof Youth Services is hoping more people will become involved in theHost Homes program as they work to expand into the surrounding cities ofCambridge, Guelph and the townships.

The program was launched last yearand called on people to open up their homes to a youth facing potential homelessness in an effort to divert them away from the shelter system.

Co-ordinators Amanda Vinette and Natasha Monteirosaid the program had a successfulfirst year acquiring10 host homes, which helped14 youth.

Eight of those youth successfully completed the program and were able to move into independent housing or reconnected with family. Others were able to go back to school.

"It's been very positive for me. I have a very kind and nice host home provider," said one youth who is currently part of the Host Homes program. CBCKitchener-Waterloo is keeping her name confidential as the stigma that comes with homelessness could impact her ability to find a home and work.

"One thing I can take away is how strong I am and having case workers who really affirm to me that I am working hard and motivated helps with my self image."

She said the Host Homes programhas allowed her to stay in school andshe soon hopesto pursue a career in psychology in the future.

Meeting a need in cities, townships

Vinette and Monteirosaid difficult situations at home, the current rental market, a decline in youth mental health and a rise in addiction are some of the reasons why youth can face homelessness in thecommunity.

"Cambridge is not immune to that.Guelph is not immune to that and any issues we have in Kitchener-Waterloo we definitely see in those areas," Vinnettesaid, emphasizing that a host home program is necessary in other places like the townships.

"For example, in Elmira, we have some providers but there are no shelter agencies within Elmira and we need to meet that need."

The program works with youth ages 16 to 25. Host homes canhouseyouth between 30 and90 days.

"What we're seeing and hearing from both [host home] providers and youth is that [30 to 90 days] is a good amount of time to get out of survival mode and and decompress," she said.

"But finding housing, getting into school programs, working on financial literacy and finding employment can take more than the three months," she adds.

Vinette hopes that newhost homes will be open to allowing longer stays this year. She and Monteiro will also work onincreasingthe number of LGBTQ friendly homes.

Getting landlords on board on-goingchallenge

Monteiro said an ongoing challenge they face is trying to get landlords involved in the program. She and Vinettesaid they are alarmed with how some rental adds specify on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and income.

"If they don't fit that criteria, then is really a no go," Monteiro said.

She said their goal this year is tocreate stronger relationshipswith landlords and superintendents.

"We do want to put the words out to landlords and superintendents to have that partnership and understanding that these youth are trying and they are motivated to be productive members of society," she said.