Youth homelessness is more than just a statistic. It’s a lived experience faced by many young people who are often overlooked by societal systems. Marlie, who now works at Cyrus Centre, knows this firsthand. Her story is one of resilience, and she shares her journey to help shed light on the struggles youth experiencing homelessness face and the importance of having strong support systems.
“Working at Cyrus and Switchback allowed me to see the full scope of what was happening. I saw firsthand how important it is to meet people where they are and provide them with what they need in the moment.“
A Childhood Marked by Instability
Marlie grew up in a challenging environment where both of her parents struggled with addiction. From a young age, she and her siblings were involved with the Ministry of Family and Child Development, experiencing the highs and lows of the foster care system. While her older sister lived independently through a youth agreement, Marlie and her other sister went through foster care, a situation that wasn’t always stable.
Reflecting on those times, Marlie shares, “We had seven different social workers in just one year. Each time a new one came in, we had to re-tell our whole story. It was exhausting.” Despite the changes and challenges, Marlie acknowledges the dedication of the social workers who tried their best, even when faced with overwhelming caseloads.
The Role of Support in Shaping Futures
For Marlie, having access to certain resources made all the difference. She credits the Ministry for providing the opportunity to continue her education and helping her and her sister live independently. “The support we received through the Ministry, like paying for our schooling, was essential. It gave us the chance to focus on our future,” she explains.
However, the instability that came with frequent changes in social workers was difficult. “Sometimes it felt like there was no consistency. We had social workers who worked incredibly hard, and others who were more distant. There were even times when I had social workers I never met in person, yet they were managing important things like our housing and finances,” Marlie recalls.
Discovering Cyrus Centre and a Path to Advocacy
Marlie first learned about Cyrus Centre during her practicum at the Salvation Army. “I had no idea that a place like Cyrus existed when I was younger,” she says. “It wasn’t until I toured the facility that I realized the incredible resources they offer to youth experiencing homelessness.”
Inspired by what she saw, Marlie decided to complete her next practicum at Cyrus Centre, where she could immerse herself in understanding the needs of youth. Through this experience, she witnessed the power of outreach and community support. “Working at Cyrus and Switchback allowed me to see the full scope of what was happening. I saw firsthand how important it is to meet people where they are and provide them with what they need in the moment,” she says.
Accessing Resources: A Lifeline for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
One of the key challenges that youth experiencing homelessness face is a lack of awareness about the resources available to them. Marlie reflects on this, saying, “There were so many resources that could have helped me and my siblings, but we didn’t know about them. For instance, we didn’t find out that we had dental coverage until recently. Access to these resources equips youth with the tools to take control of their futures.”
Today, Marlie works to ensure that other youth know about the resources available through programs like SAGE, which offers financial support and rent supplements for youth pursuing education. “The SAGE program is really stepping up to provide more options for youth. It’s helping extend support, like funding for housing and school, to a broader age range,” she explains.
A Call for Compassion and Understanding
Marlie’s story is a powerful reminder that youth experiencing homelessness are not defined by their circumstances. She emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding. “Youth experiencing homelessness deserve the same compassion and understanding as any other young person. They’re people who’ve had difficult experiences, but they’re still full of potential,” she says.
Through her work, Marlie hopes to break down the negative stereotypes that often surround homelessness and addiction. “There’s a lot more to homelessness than people realize. It’s not just about lack of shelter; it’s about not having a support system,” she explains.
“There’s a lot more to homelessness than people realize. It’s not just about lack of shelter; it’s about not having a support system.“
Looking to the Future
As Marlie continues her studies in social work, she’s driven by her desire to make a difference. Her journey from experiencing an unstable home environment to becoming an advocate for youth in similar situations is a testament to the importance of compassion, consistency, and access to resources.
“I want to be the kind of social worker who provides that stability and support that so many youth need,” Marlie says. “My goal is to help others navigate the system and show them that they can have a brighter future, no matter where they’ve come from.”