What if we could eliminate the reality of homelessness for good in the lives of our youth at highest risk? That is exactly what we are hoping to do with the launch of our newest venture: Why Not Youth Housing!

As you know, the housing market in Brantford has reached a desperate state. Low-income homes are becoming more and more crowded as friends and family members join dwellings that are already full to the max.

FRAMING STABILITYWhen the barrier to a youth achieving success is homelessness, it can be nearly impossible to overcome. A lack of housing stability dramatically reduces the ability of a youth to plan and set goals. When the question of “where I’m going to sleep tonight” is hard to answer, all planning and progress around other goals such as “finishing my education” or “getting up for work” goes right down the drain.

Over the past several months, we have developed a housing program that we believe is going to be pivotal in establishing our highest-risk young men in a productive adult life. By working with youth we already know and mentor, we can quickly support them as they take those first steps toward implementing their plan.

BUILDING SUCCESSThe youth in our supportive independent housing program will develop a customized goal plan that is geared toward education or employment. Throughout the maximum of three years that they live in Why Not Youth Housing, they will prepare for independent living. This means that the future families of these young men should ultimately break the cycle of dependence on social assistance, creating space for others in the community to be helped by these programs.

Thanks to the subsidized rates offered to us by our partner Jaycee Homes, participants can be charged an affordable program fee that will cover about half the cost of the housing program. However, we have many one-time costs to get the house furnished and the program in place. There is also the ongoing need for staff to run the program and other operating costs.

Your support to help us launch Why Not Youth Housing would mean the world to the young men who are in desperate need of stability. We know this is a big undertaking, but we are eager to start to truly impact the homeless crisis in Brantford by keeping the next generation off the streets.

This is only the beginning! It's our hope that in the years ahead we can add more houses for more young people. Below, I've listed a few ways I hope you will consider supporting Why Not Youth Housing.

I hope as we jump into this new venture of Why Not Youth Housing, you will join us in our fight against Brantford's homeless crisis, starting by housing our youth.