Durham Youth Services

Outreach services for youth facing a housing crisis; home visits, and meeting at local venues are generally offered as options dependent on the nature of the service and client circumstances

Housing First for Youth (HF4Y)

• core assistance is providing housing support with no preconditions, ensuring the youth have a voice and are heard, access to income and education, life skills training, as well as building a network of natural supports
• help chronically homeless youth that may be experiencing complex mental health and/or addiction issues
• HF4Y workers will work with youth to transition to independence and well-being

Transitional Support Program

• operates from a housing-first philosophy, supporting youth in the transitional housing programs
• provides case management and life skills lessons to support youth in learning how to live independently
• caseworker will support youth to assist them to move from a place of in-crisis to stability through wrap-around support (e.g., connecting with employment support, mental health and/or addiction support, etc.)

Rapid Rehousing Program

• providing rapid housing support to youth who enter into the shelter, Joanne's House, through a housing-focused model
• support youth in attending viewing, providing advocacy, and assisting with stabilization through wrap-around case management support

Shelter Diversion

• youth homelessness prevention program
• supporting youth to find a safe alternative to the shelter system (e.g., returning/remaining home, with extended family, friends, etc.)
• providing referrals for additional supportive services as needed

Family Reconnect Program

• youth homelessness prevention program
• youth that are at-risk of experiencing a housing disruption due to family challenges have the opportunity to work with a counsellor who will help them remain at home when advisable and in school
• family mediation and reconnection to keep the youth safely at home

Housing Support Program (Community or In-School)

• rapid rehousing support for youth experiencing homelessness, helping youth to secure independent/supportive housing as quickly and safely as possible
• operates from a housing-first philosophy
• provides eviction prevention
• working within schools to support youth in their housing crisis while remaining attached to the education system

• Housing - Help to Find Housing