History
Youth Haven is the only emergency housing facility in Simcoe County for youth experiencing homelessness.
It was established in 1987, after a small group of residents realized that there were youths all over Barrie experiencing homelessness and they had nowhere to go.
They made their homes available to these youths but soon came to realize that this solution was inadequate to address the need.
In 1990 Youth Haven became incorporated and received charitable status, they then opened an official location on Dunlop St W, providing a total of six beds with most of the essential things needed were donated.
They then moved to Toronto street where they increased their bed capacity and services.
By 2010, they settled at their permanent location on Wellington Street East in Barrie.
Starting Nov 5, 2020 Youth Haven will be offering online services for persons between 12-18 years old, who are living with someone with a limiting illness or are bereaved.
However due to the covid19 pandemic, they are presently operating out of the local hotel and are being subsidized by the County of Simcoe.
The Youth They Serve
Youth Haven believes in, “Equity, Inclusivity & Acceptance” and “all youth have the right to services and support regardless of political, religious beliefs, ethno-cultural background, (dis)ability, gender identity and/or sexual orientation”.
Age
Youth Haven provides services for persons who are between 16-24 years old.
Sex Orientation
Youth Haven serves youths from all sexual orientation.
Religion
Youth from all religious faiths are welcomed.
Ethno Diversity
Youth Haven provides an inclusive environment for all clientele.
Function
Youth Haven is committed to helping homeless youths in Simcoe County with the skill they require to be self-sufficient; helping them to lead productive lives.
Youth Haven has a fully staffed operation and a qualified person is always on site to give assistance.
Volunteers are a vital part of their operation. They receive community support and persons who have dedicated their time and efforts to helping youths in need and fight homeless. They are supported by the student placement program.
Life Skills Development Program
Youth Haven offers a bridge program to independent living, They have five transitional beds for youths who need more time and skills to successfully make that transition.
Youth Haven offers daily life skills such as cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene and money management.
Education and Job Center
Youth Haven will be an advocate for youth who would like to continue their education.
Youth Haven offers referrals to local job centers.
Support Services
Offers on-going support, guidance, programs and life skills needed to foster the youth’s sense of well-being and security.
Assist youth with setting goals and a path to achieve them.
Youth Haven offers a referral services, if they are unable to assist you then they will refer you to one their many community partners.
Youth Haven offers emergency housing, ten beds for persons identifying as male and six for those identifying as female. Persons identifying as non-binary are also welcomed.
Royal Victoria Hospital partners with Youth Haven to provide youth with the medical care that they need. Due to homelessness, many youth do not receive vital medical attention. A safe environment is provided so that teens may consult of medical professionals.
Connect with Youth Haven
20-22 Wellington St. E, Barrie, ON
(705) 739-7616
ttps://www.facebook.com/youthhavencanada/
https://twitter.com/barrieyouth
Join us in making a real difference.
Works Cited
Tony Evers, PhD, State Superintendent. dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/homeless/pdf/TransporationStrategiesforStudentsWhoAreHomeless.pdf.
Youth Haven, youthhaven.ca/.