Shelterlink FAQs
Shelterlink FAQs Q1: How many youth are in the shelter? A: It depends on the time of year. Our shelter has 15 short-term emergency beds, so the maximum capacity is 15 youth with 1 per room. We typically see more youth staying with us during the colder months. Q2: Who can stay at the shelter? A: Emergency shelter is available for youth aged 16-24. Though we do not take youth aged 14 and 15 in the shelter, we do support them through our outreach programs, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. Q3: Do you charge youth rent to stay at the shelter? A: No, we do not charge rent. Q4: How long can the youth stay at the shelter? A: Shelterlink provides short-term emergency shelter. While the length of stay varies based on individual circumstances, youth are permitted to stay as long as they continue to engage with our program. Our team works closely with each youth to help them secure stable, long-term housing as soon as possible. Q5: What do the rooms look like? A: See below. Q6: Do youth have to leave the shelter during the day? A: No, Shelterlink is not a drop-in center where youth must leave during the day. Youth staying with us can access support services, meals, and a safe space throughout the day while they work towards finding permanent housing. We do have a curfew, which is at 10pm. Q7: What are Shelterlink’s hours? A: We operate 24/7, ensuring youth always have a safe space to stay. Our workers are always available to offer shelter support and phone support to youth, no matter the time of day or night. Q8: What facilities are available in the shelter? A: We offer 15-short term emergency beds, each in an individual room for privacy and comfort, as well as meals, clothing, personal care items, showers, and laundry facilities. We also have common areas for the youth to relax and connect, and on-site staff available 24/7 for guidance and crisis support. Q9: How long has Shelterlink been in Stratford? A: Shelterlink has been a part of the Stratford community since 1991. Over the years, we’ve had different names, operated in various locations, and adapted our approach to better serve youth. As the needs of young people experiencing homelessness evolve, so do we! We always strive to provide the best support possible. Q10: What can I donate to Shelterlink? A: Financial donations are the most impactful way to support our work. They allow us to fund the staff who provide 24/7 support for youth, cover essential operational costs like rent and utilities, sustain our youth programs, and more. In-kind donations are also welcome, and we recommend checking our wishlist to see which items we are currently accepting and which we are not currently accepting.
Coldest Night of the Year 2025!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for CNOY 2025! Our Executive Director Cate Trudeau spoke prior to the event. Other speakers included Sonya Heyen (CNOY Event Director), Mayor Martin Ritsma, John Nater MP, Terri Sparling (one of Shelterlink’s founders), and more. With your incredible support, we raised $222,592 to help those in our community who are hurt, hungry, and homeless. Plus, Stratford placed 5th in Canada for the highest amount raised, what an amazing achievement! It was truly heartwarming to see our community come together, with over 500 people showing up in support to walk around the Avon River. Everyone enjoyed delicious soup from Soup Surreal and warmed up with hot chocolate and coffee from Features of Stratford. Our fantastic board and staff. For more photos, visit cnoy.org/stratford A message from our Executive Director, Cate Trudeau: “Thank you, Stratford, for another incredible Coldest Night of the Year! Over the past 10 years, we’ve watched this event grow in ways we never could have imagined. In 2015, we raised $14,334 with 7 teams and 62 walkers. This year, thanks to your support, we’ve raised $220,000 (and counting!), with an incredible 82 teams and 499 walkers. Since the event began in 2015, our community has come together to raise an amazing grand total of $1,061,804 (so far)! We are so grateful that year after year, you continue to show up for Shelterlink, the Stratford Connection Centre, and the youth in our community who need a safe, warm, and caring place to stay during difficult times.” L-R: Laurel (Assigned Housing Support Worker), Ann (Community Outreach Manager), Catherine (Shelter Services Manager), and Natasha (Post-Shelter Support Worker) If you’d like to read more about CNOY 2025, check out this article from StratfordToday: Coldest Night event raises over $220K for local organizations One of our lead sponsors, Core Fuels! We’d also like to express our thanks to our fantastic sponsors who make CNOY possible: Lead Sponsor: McDonald’s Stratford, Core Fuels Gold Sponsors: Stratford Orthodontics & Mark’s Stratford Silver Sponsor: Home Depot, Tri-Tech Pinnacle Group Bronze Sponsors: Black Creek Physiotherapy, Coventry & Mitchell Veterinary Services, Gotech, Home & Company Real Estate, Ideal Supply, Libro Credit Union, Malt Staging and Design, McDonald’s Mitchell, Peter Maranger & Associates, Romeo Optometry, Sinclair Pharmacy, Westlandyn Farms. Goods and Services Sponsors: Soup Surreal, Features of Stratford
Understanding the Housing First for Youth Model
Understanding the Housing First for Youth Model In traditional shelters, youth often have to tackle issues like mental health or substance use before they can access housing. But we know that’s not the answer. How can someone focus on recovery or stability when they don’t even have a roof over their head? That’s why we put housing first. It’s the foundation that everything else, like education, employment, and mental health support, can be built on. With a safe space to call their own, young people can take the time to heal, grow, and become empowered. The HF4Y model is about understanding that youth homelessness differs adult homelessness. The challenges they face are unique, and so are their solutions. Young people are still figuring out who they are, their place in the world, and how to build the future they want. Giving them the security of a home is the first step in making that future possible. But HF4Y doesn’t stop there. It’s about long-term success. The first step is the prevention of youth homelessness, meaning reaching youth before they reach a crisis point. When a young person needs assistance, we start by looking for every possible option to keep them from needing shelter in the first place—like staying with family or friends. If shelter is the only option, we get them in and out quickly, ensuring access to support services so they can get back on their feet fast. One recent change we’ve made is ensuring our support continues even after a youth has left the shelter, ensuring that they don’t re-enter the cycle of homelessness. This support comes from our Post-Shelter Support Worker, who plays a critical role in ensuring youth remain stable after they leave. This position is about providing ongoing, serious care to guide youth through the often complex process of transitioning into their own homes. She helps them navigate not only housing but also the challenges of mental health, addiction, and life skills, ensuring they have the tools to maintain their independence and thrive long-term. Read about her here: Natasha Chadwick – StratfordToday. An article from StratfordToday about Natasha Chadwick, our Post-Shelter Housing and Community Connection Worker https://www.stratfordtoday.ca/local-news/position-created-to-help-youth-transition-from-shelter-into-housing-9282703 At Shelterlink, we don’t just provide a safe place to stay, we create opportunities for youth to build better futures. Want to learn more about the HF4Y model? Click here. Join us in transforming futures!🫶