Against the backdrop of a youth housing crisis in Peel Region, members of the REST Youth Council — young people with lived experience of homelessness — shared how systemic barriers shaped their paths, how REST Centres’ Bridge of Hope program created stability, and what they want policymakers and the public to know about ending youth homelessness.

In Peel Region, youth homelessness remains an urgent and racialized crisis. Black youth, like many other marginalized groups, face significant barriers to obtaining stable housing due to structural inequities, systemic racism, and a lack of affordable options. Recognizing these challenges, REST Centres launched the Bridge of Hope (BoH) program to provide not just housing but a pathway to achieving self-sufficiency.

See what your support made possible in 2025: rental subsidies, emergency groceries, household starter kits, and stability for BIPOC youth facing homelessness. Every number is a life changed, and your gift helps more young people stay housed and supported.

Discover how REST’s Landlord Engagement team breaks stigma and opens doors for Black youth facing homelessness. Your support provides safe housing, crisis subsidies, and hope for young people who deserve stability and a future.

A Graduation Coach shares how REST helped a homeless student secure housing in just five days; giving her stability, dignity, and the chance to graduate. Discover how your support helps BIPOC youth stay housed, stay in school, and rebuild their futures.

Celebrating 10 years of REST: a story of resilience, faith, and building a Black-led organization in the face of giants. Discover how REST has grown from an idea into a lifeline for BIPOC youth, and why your partnership is essential for the next decade of impact.

A young mother shares how REST helped her escape abuse, find stability, and reunite with hope. Read her Giving Tuesday story and see how your matched donation can provide safety, housing support, and healing spaces for youth facing homelessness.