Shelter Prevention & Diversion
“Shelter Prevention & Diversion” refers to the strategies used to prevent individuals from entering emergency shelters or the homelessness system. These approaches focus on addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, offering alternatives that keep people housed and/or help them find other housing options before they reach crisis point. These strategies are particularly vital to the services provided to young people experiencing homelessness. Their unique challenges, age, and stage make Shelter Prevention & Diversion one of the most important supports offered here at oneROOF Youth Services.
Shelter Prevention
Shelter prevention involves proactive measures aimed at stopping individuals from becoming homeless.
This can include:
- Intervention before homelessness occurs: Identifying people at risk of homelessness (such as those facing eviction, family conflict, or financial hardship) and offering support before they lose their homes.
- Support services: This may include financial assistance, legal support (to prevent evictions), case management, and housing stabilization programs.
- Improving housing stability: Helping individuals maintain their current housing by addressing issues that may lead to housing instability, such as budgeting assistance, family counselling, or connecting with employment resources.
Shelter Diversion
Shelter diversion focuses on finding alternative housing solutions for individuals who are already in crisis or seeking shelter but haven’t yet experienced homelessness. The goal is to avoid shelter placement by quickly offering alternative solutions.
This can include:
- Mediation or conflict resolution: For youth or families experiencing conflict, staff may intervene to mediate and restore relationships, allowing the individual to return home or stay with friends/family temporarily.
- Short-term housing alternatives: Programs like Host Homes provide safe places to stay temporarily while youth or individuals work towards longer-term housing.
- Linking to community resources: Providing immediate access to community programs or other social supports that can help resolve the situation before emergency shelter is needed.
In Summary:
Prevention focuses on stopping homelessness before it starts, often by addressing root causes or intervening early.
Diversion focuses on helping those already seeking shelter find alternatives to entering a formal shelter system.
Both strategies aim to reduce the number of people who end up in shelters and help them avoid the trauma and instability of homelessness. These efforts are central to many community organizations, like oneROOF Youth Services, to support youth and families before homelessness becomes a reality.
Shelter Prevention & Diversion at oneROOF Youth Services…
The Host Homes program operates under the Prevention & Diversion umbrella at oneROOF Youth Services, working collaboratively with the Family Reconnect program to prevent youth from entering the shelter system and divert them away from homelessness. Both staff teams offer support and advocacy to help youth and their families establish and maintain healthy relationships, providing mediation, goal planning, and referrals as needed. When returning to a family home isn't an option, having a strong support network is vital for the youth's long-term success.
The Host Homes Program
The Host Homes Program, initiated by oneROOF Youth Services in 2018, offers short-term housing solutions to youth aged 16 to 25 in the Waterloo Region who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This program provides an alternative to traditional shelter systems by connecting youth with community members—referred to as Host Home Providers (HHPs)—who offer a room in their homes. These providers can be single individuals, couples, or families, and they receive monthly compensation for room and board.
The goal is to prevent youth from entering the cycle of homelessness by offering a safe and supportive environment while they work towards securing permanent housing and achieving personal goals. The length of stays varies based on individual needs and provider availability, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Family Reconnect Services
Our Family Reconnect services are designed to support youth and their families in addressing challenges that may lead to homelessness or family breakdowns. The program focuses on helping youth (ages 12-25) and their families restore and maintain healthy relationships through various support services.
Key aspects of the Family Reconnect program include:
Mediation and Conflict Resolution: The program offers mediation services to help resolve conflicts within families, aiming to improve communication and understanding between family members.
Goal Setting and Planning: Youth and families work together with support staff to set goals and create action plans that address underlying issues contributing to the strained relationships or homelessness risk.
Referral Services: If necessary, the program can provide referrals to other community resources, ensuring that families and youth have access to a broad support network.
Support and Advocacy: Family Reconnect staff work with youth and their families to ensure they have the tools and resources to maintain long-term stability, even if returning to the family home isn't an option.
These services are a part of oneROOF's broader efforts to prevent youth from entering the shelter system, reduce the risk of homelessness, and help families stay connected. It's a vital part of supporting at-risk youth before they face the realities of homelessness.
For more detailed information, visit the Family Reconnect and Host Homes pages of our website.
These programs rely heavily on the generosity of our community. Monetary donations are needed now, more than ever!
Your donation can help make a positive difference in the lives of the youth we serve! We accept donations of both money and goods. Donate online or see our wishlist for items that are currently in need.