oneROOF Youth Services Supportive Housing Program:

Next Steps Housing

Next Steps Housing is a Supportive Housing building, run by oneROOF Youth Services. Based on the Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) model, this youth-specific living and learning environment strives to guide its residents into their own self-determination.

Supportive Housing is a highly effective strategy that combines affordable housing with intensive coordinated services.

 

The Housing First approach is all about ending homelessness with housing. It focuses on moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing as a first step in ending the cycle of homelessness.

Housing First is a rights-based intervention rooted in the philosophy that all people deserve housing, and that adequate housing is a prerequisite for recovery.

 

Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) is a youth-specific approach that prioritizes immediate housing and personalized supports.


Housing First for Youth takes this a step further with an emphasis on services. It can be adapted to not only serve as an intervention model, but also a prevention model — supporting young people leaving harmful family homes, corrections or mental health facilities. The core principles are…

 

  • A right to housing with no preconditions.

  • Youth choice, youth voice and self-determination.

  • Positive development and wellness orientation.

  • Individualized supports with no time limits.

  • Social inclusion and community integration.

 

Next Steps Housing: The Program

The Next Steps Housing program pairs independence with a mix of helpful in-house and community resources. Continuous on-site staffing allows for quick supportive action if necessary, which cultivates a sense of security for residents.

 

Supports Available

  • HOUSING SUPPORT

  • HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

  • ACCESS TO INCOME AND EDUCATION

  • LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

  • SOCIAL INCLUSION

What To Expect

  • YOUTH GOAL PLANNING

  • WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT WITH PRIMARY WORKER

  • FOCUS ON HOUSING RETENTION

  • GRADUATION CHECKLIST

 
 

Your Rights

  • REASONABLE PRIVACY

  • SECURITY OF TENANCY

  • FREEDOM FROM DISTURBANCE

  • ENJOYMENT OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Your Responsibilities

  • PAYING YOUR RENT ON TIME

  • KEEPING YOUR UNIT CLEAN

  • THE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUR GUESTS

  • REPAIRING ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY YOU AND/OR YOUR GUESTS

 

Next Steps Housing: The Building

This building was constructed in partnership with John MacDonald Architecture & Ball Construction. It has created 44 single studio units for youth experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region, including 15 units focused on housing those with mental health or addiction issues, and 4 units reserved for Indigenous youth.

 

Building Features

  • 44 SINGLE STUDIO UNITS

  • COIN OPERATED, ON-SITE LAUNDRY

  • COMMUNITY BUILDING AREAS

  • REGULAR BUILDING MAINTENANCE

  • EASY ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES: EDUCATION, SHOPPING, PUBLIC TRANSIT, ETC.

Unit Features

  • FULLY FURNISHED

  • PRIVATE BATHROOM

  • COOKTOP, FRIDGE & MICROWAVE

 
 
 

Next Steps Housing: Support Fund

The Next Steps Housing Support Fund is a general collection for the Next Steps Housing program. Funds donated here are directed to building maintenance, program services, and rent arrears for youth within the Next Steps Housing program. Please consider making a donation.

 
 
 
 
 

OUR IMPACT

Read about the impact oneROOF Youth Services has had on youth.

 

SERVICES

We are a multi-service agency. Check out the many services we offer.

 

DONATE

Your donation can make a positive difference in the lives of these youth!