The Faces of oneROOF Youth Services
oneROOF Youth Services is a non-profit organization based in Waterloo Region, supporting youth aged 12-25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We accomplish this task by relying on a robust team of social work professionals and passionate volunteers, students, and staff. This diverse team strives daily to meet our organization’s mission statements, through individual dedication and a collective passion for serving this valuable population.
By acknowledging the efforts of staff in the social sector, we highlight their invaluable contribution to creating stronger communities. Their work goes beyond addressing immediate needs, focusing on long-term solutions to help individuals regain stability and independence. Scroll to celebrate our team.
Celebrating the oneROOF Youth Services Team
Our Staff Members
These smiling faces are the future of oneROOF Youth Services. In celebration of this promising future, we invite you to join us as we relax on the past…
A Brief History of oneROOF Youth Services
Kate Millar-Young
oneROOF Youth Services has been dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region for over three decades. The organization traces its origins to 1988 when Kitchener resident Kate Millar-Young recognized the growing number of young people living on the streets of downtown Kitchener. In response, she began distributing essential items such as food, water, and blankets from the back of her car. This grassroots initiative quickly gained momentum, leading to the establishment of ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) in 1989, with office space donated by a friend.
By 1990, ROOF had expanded its operations to a facility at Duke and College Street, where it began to define its core values and principles. In 1991, the organization moved to 43 Cedar St. N., in Kitchener, and continued to grow its services, including a seven-day-a-week operation, outreach programs, and the addition of trained counselors to its team. A significant milestone occurred on March 1, 1996, when ROOF partnered with the Betty Thompson Youth Centre, enhancing its capacity to serve high-risk youth. The organization's commitment to growth was further supported by a generous private donation in 1999, enabling continued expansion and service enhancement, later becoming oneROOF Youth Services.
The Original ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) Logo
Today, oneROOF Youth Services continues to provide comprehensive support to youth aged 12-25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Waterloo Region. Their services include emergency shelter, supportive housing, outreach services, educational initiatives, and prevention and diversion supports.
ROOF Building, Queen St. East, Kitchener ON
oneROOF Youth Services’ New Campus at Sheldon Ave Kitchener ON, called “The Quad”
The Quad’s Supportive Housing Building
After 30+ years of growth, multiple locations and service scopes, the organization’s mission remains steadfast; to maintain the health and safety of youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness by providing resources and services that enable them to make positive choices and end the cycle of homelessness.