Our Services
Our mission is to support youth experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, through prevention, advocacy, shelter and community connection services.
The earlier a person first experiences homelessness, the more likely they are to face chronic homelessness later in life. Early intervention is crucial. Shelterlink Youth Services provides youth with the tools they need to prevent long-term homelessness and build a stable, fulfilling future.
Our work encompasses three key areas:
Outreach
Engaging with youth in the community to offer support and resources, focusing on preventation homelessness before it occurs. (ages 14-24)
Early intervention is crucial for minimizing the chances of youth experiencing homelessness. Shelterlink offers essential support and resources before a crisis occurs.
All possible safe and appropriate housing options with natural supports are explored prior to shelter referral.
Shelterlink provides trusteeship to 16 and 17 year olds receiving Ontario Works (social assistance) in order to receive their assistance payments.
We help youth and their families identify solutions to challenges that may result in family breakdown and potential homelessness. This may also involve re-establishing connections with family and assisting youth with overcoming barriers to reunification.
Consults or referrals from community welcome. Information sessions relating to youth homelessness and services provided also available.
If you would like to schedule an information session or speaker, please email info@shelterlink.org.
Providing social and community integration, along with life skills support after shelter stays, enables youth to transition successfully to independence and maintain stable housing.
Shelter Services
Providing a safe, supportive enviroment for youth who need immediate shelter, including 15 short-term emergency beds. (ages 16-24)
We are staffed 24/7, meaning youth in and out of the shelter have access to staff support, walk-in support, and telephone support at any time if they’re facing an immediate housing crisis.
We practice shelter diversion, which means all possible safe and appropriate housing options are explored prior to shelter admission, such as staying with friends or alternate family members. We also practice family mediation and reunification.
Offering shelter from the elements and immediate support for youth who are without a place to stay. There are 15 short-term emergency beds, with a maximum capacity of 15 youth with 1 per room. We do not charge rent, and youth are permitted to stay as long as they continue to engage with our program.
Meals, clothing, personal care items, showers, and laundry facilities are available throughout shelter stay.
Shelterlink uses a Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) approach, where the primary aims of the shelter program and case management services are to help youth secure housing and reconnect with their community as swiftly as possible. This includes working with youth to explore other safe alternatives rather than coming to shelter (known as diversion) and working with youth to develop housing plans and support their transition back to housing.
Connection to financial, employment, and educational resources are available so youth can obtain and sustain housing and increase their prospects for a better future.
We also work with various community partners, such as Future and Focus and Partners in Employment, to provide career support and guidance
Post-Shelter Support
Providing ongoing support to help youth transition from shelter to independence, breaking the cycle of homelessness. (ages 16-24)
We collaborate with youth to create a person-centered plan for
leaving the shelter, ensuring that necessary supports and services are in place to align with their goals and needs for success outside the shelter.
Providing resources and assistance with online applications for
additional funding, grants, or subsidies.
Support youth in achieving their educational, employment, mental, and physical health goals.
Encourage and support youth as they work on rebuilding their relationships and nurturing their natural support systems.
Help youth learn about various community resources and/or accompany them to food banks, events, or community meals.
"When I came into the shelter at first, I was in a low. Trauma caused me to struggle with applying myself. Shelterlink Youth Services helped me prove to myself that I was capable, intelligent, and worth investing in myself and my future."
