WHY YOUTH?
For young people facing homelessness, having a safe and stable place to go can be the difference.
THE HARSH REALITY
Every night, thousands of youth in Canada have nowhere to call home.
CLOSER TO HOME
In British Columbia alone, youth make up 25% of the homeless population. These young people, aged 12-18, often find themselves on the streets due to family conflict, abuse, or systemic failures. Without proper support, they face increased risks of exploitation, substance abuse, and long-term homelessness.
A CYCLE OF STRUGGLE
Not only does homelessness keep youth out of school or prevent them from finding stable employment, but it also exposes them to dangers that can impact their entire future.
HOPE THROUGH SUPPORT
But access to 24/7 support, shelter, and services means safety, education, and hope – especially for vulnerable youth. Youth experiencing homelessness are 13 times more likely to die than their peers, often due to suicide, substance use, or violence
BREAKING THE CYCLE
It’s a crucial investment; supporting youth experiencing homelessness is one of the more effective ways of preventing chronic adult homelessness and building stronger communities.
OUR APPROACH – COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, SUPPORT
We provide a comprehensive, community-based response to youth homelessness. Our approach focuses on three key pillars:
COMMUNITY
Community: We operate resource centers in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, open 365 days a year, providing a safe space for youth to connect, rest, and access essential services.
CONNECTION
Through programs like The Breakfast Club, we bridge the gap between youth and adult services, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
SUPPORT
From emergency shelters to transitional housing, we offer a continuum of care designed to meet youth where they are and guide them towards stability.
500+
youth served annually in Abbotsford and Chilliwack
10 000
meals served per year to hungry youth
28
beds offered nightly, serving hundreds of youth annually
64
youth supported towards independence through transitional housing
OUR IMPACT
Since 2004, we’ve has made a significant impact on youth homelessness in the Fraser Valley:
Resource Centres
- Open 365 days a year, 7 days a week
- Serve youth aged 12-18 in Abbotsford and Chilliwack
- Serve 500+ youth annually in Abbotsford and Chilliwack
Meals and Nutrition
- Serve over 3,650 meals annually to hungry youth (estimated 500 youth x 2 meals a day x 365 days)
- Operate The Breakfast Club program to bridge the gap in services for youth transitioning to adult services
- Distribute food hampers to support youth and their families
Emergency Shelter
- Provide 24/7 emergency shelter services in both Abbotsford and Chilliwack
- Offer 28 beds nightly, serving hundreds of youth annually
- Offer comprehensive support including advocacy, mediation, job support, court support, and family restoration services
Transitional Housing
- Supported 64 youth through our transitional housing programs
- Switchback program: 22 youth engaged in a 2-year program
- Provide supportive environments fostering personal growth, community involvement, and independence
Street Outreach
- Assist 60+ at-risk youth annually with housing, recovery, and support
- Collaborative initiative with local government and law enforcement
- Focuses on housing placement, locating missing youth, and substance use treatment
Additional Services
- Provide shower and laundry facilities
- Offer 24/7 support and a non-judgmental atmosphere
- Assist with clothing, phone access, and other essential needs
“Cyrus was like a home to me, the first thing like a real home I’ve had. I love you Cyrus and everyone that works here.”
– ANONYMOUS YOUTH
