UPDATE: BUILD COMPLETE
Our Supportive Housing program, Next Steps Housing is now in full swing! Click below to learn more about Next Steps Housing. Scroll for build information. Build donation portals now closed; program donations welcome.
oneROOF Youth Services, in partnership with John MacDonald Architecture & Ball Construction, is expanding the campus at 35 Sheldon Ave North, Kitchener through the purchase of a neighbouring home and the construction of our very own Supportive Housing Building. With the ability to house up to 44 additional youth, this build will ERADICATE youth homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Through the generosity of a philanthropic donor, and the support of the City of Kitchener, we were able to purchase our neighbouring home at 43 Sheldon Ave North. With your help, we hope to build and furnish our new Supportive Housing Building by summer 2022.
Since 1989, oneROOF Youth Services has been committed to providing for the safety, support, and overall well-being of youth who are experiencing homelessness or at risk, ages 12-25, in Waterloo Region. Our goal in recent years has been to change the way the world views traditional supports by addressing the gaps in service we’ve come to recognize in our over 30 years of working with this population. Everything from the lack of preventative programs and intervention, to social factors and the severity of this nations housing crisis. We’ve come to realize that services like our emergency shelter, food hampers, warm clothing distribution, and even education and employment programs are simply not enough. Housing is the answer.
What is Supportive Housing?
Supportive housing is a highly effective strategy that combines affordable housing with intensive coordinated services. The youth we support face complex barriers and wide-spread stigma. Unlike their adult counterparts, youth experiencing homelessness simply do not have the housing history, cognitive development, financial knowledge, and life skills to navigate the increasing difficulties of the housing market. Transitioning directly from streets/shelter to independent living has proven to be challenging for young people, and often results in a cyclical return to shelter. A broad body of research and greater understanding of the depth of Canada’s housing crisis makes clear that supportive and transitional housing options are needed now more than ever!
affordable housing is the only way to end the cycle of homelessness
Our Supportive Housing Build will ensure that this vulnerable population receives, not only the housing units needed to offer stability, safety and security, but the 24/7 staff support that research and experience deems necessary for successful transition into independent living.
According to the Prioritized Access To Housing Support (PATHS) list for Waterloo Region, there are approx. 50 youth awaiting housing. With this build and our accompanying emergency shelter, we can house over sixty, effectively ERADICATING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS in our region!
AVERAGE MONTHLY COST OF HOUSING SOMEONE WHO is HOMELESS:
From the costs of emergency shelters, to institutional healthcare and the criminal justice system, to the individual physical and mental health impact on citizens without homes, the causes and effects of homelessness cost Canada dearly. While emergency shelters will always be necessary in crisis, preventing people from becoming homeless and rehousing those already homeless must be the new path we forge in supports for those experiencing homelessness, regardless of age.
How To Donate…
We are currently accepting donations to our Supportive Housing Build. Join us in ensuring that ALL young people have a place to call home, or donate to our day-to-day operations here. Please Note: All donations over $20.00 will receive a tax receipt.
HELP US BUILD IT
Help us get this building up! Join the framework of radical change; donate to the bricks and mortar, windows and doors. Donations of any amount are welcome here! Help us take 44 young people from street life to home life. (Donations of $200.00 or more will be recognized on our donor wall)
HELP US FURNISH IT
Help us furnish a room, and get your name on that unit! Complete furnishings will cost approx. $10,000/unit. Donate $10,000 and have a unit dedicated in your name or the name of your company. Donate $20,000 for two units, $30,000 for three — all the way up to 44 units!
A unit will consist of, but is not limited to the following: a single bed, nightstand and lamp, standing wardrobe, desk and chair, sofa style chair, shower, toilet, vanity/sink, small fridge, 2 burner induction cooktop, microwave, kitchen sink, cupboards, kitchenware and linens.
Other ways to donate…
Call in your visa number to 519-496-9481 (Bonnie Kropf, Fund Developer)
Pay by cheque — payable to oneROOF Youth Services. Mailed or delivered to 35 Sheldon Ave N, Kitchener, ON N2H 3M1
Pay by cash, to be delivered to 35 Sheldon Ave. N. Addressed c/o Bonnie Kropf
E-transfer your donation to ceo@oneroof.org. Be sure to state in the comment section “Supportive Housing Build” or “Furnish a Room”
We are a registered charitable organization under the name “Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (Kitchener)” through PayPal, or Benevity. Or search “oneROOF Youth Services” on CanadaHelps.org
“Average Cost of Housing Someone Who Is Homeless” Image & Data From:
Gaetz, Stephen (2012): The Real Cost of Homelessness: Can We Save Money by Doing the Right Thing? Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.
BUILD UPDATES
