Shelter

HOUSING IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY.

Shelter is a fundamental human right, so we work on the premise that youth are in better positions to move forward with their lives, when they have stable housing. This means working quickly to secure safe, affordable and sustainable housing, with ongoing support to maintain their tenancies, as the first step in our holistic approach.

Focus Areas:

1. Transitional Housing

2. Applicant Assistance

3. Eviction Prevention

4. Landlord Training & Support

Flagship Program 1: The Bridge of Hope

The first program of its kind in Peel Region, Bridge of Hope is an evidenced-based program that offers an alternative to shelters, by connecting tenants with landlords in the community. After securing shelter, REST leads regular follow-ups to support youth and landlords with ongoing support and to ensure positive outcomes.

Flagship Program 2: FIRM

The FIRM Program (Family Intervention and Reunification Management) is a culturally sensitive initiative aimed at preventing youth homelessness within the Black African and Caribbean communities by strengthening family relationships and resolving conflicts.

FIRM provides preventive counseling, reunification services, and conflict resolution workshops, all tailored to the unique needs of these communities. Through proactive interventions, the program works to address underlying family issues, promote family reunification, and create stable home environments that support the well-being of youth.

By empowering families with practical skills, FIRM helps to foster long-term stability and prevent homelessness before it begins.