The Life and Dreams of a Youth-Led Family with REST Centres

When Kingsley Dwira’s mother died in the early months of 2022, devastation consumed him. Unexpectedly, his mother, his support system, was gone. Suddenly, his wife, Akayla, and their three younger sisters were evicted from their family home. Before the tears of grief were gone, Kingsley, at the blink of his eyes, was thrust into the role of the head of his family, a responsibility he hadn't expected to shoulder at just 21 years old: a brother, a father, and a quest to become an independent youth.

Born in Montréal, Quebec, Kingsley describes his life after moving to the GTA as nothing but a “wild ride.” Despite all his hurdles and transitions, Kingsley managed to graduate from high school, earn a post-secondary plumbing certificate, and even obtain his security license.

Akayla’s family was a massive pillar of support for Kingsley and his younger sisters in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. “I was just struggling with losing a parent and almost experiencing homelessness,” Kingsley said. “Akayla’s family was there. They helped us come up to a better place.” Yet, as their family grew with the impending arrival of their first daughter, Londynn, Kingsley and Akayla recognized the need for more autonomy and space. At the time, Londynn was a mere six months away.

Kingsley and Akayla were referred to REST Centres by Kingsley’s three younger sisters, who were referred to our program a couple of months before. As soon as the girls were settled with REST Centres with their own case manager and support, they pulled Kingsley and Akayla right on in because they knew we could help them, too.

Renting the apartment from a family friend, Kingsley and Akayla acknowledged the role REST played in making this transition smooth. Akayla explained, “[REST] referred us to them and let them know that we were good people and were able to pay the rent on time. As a young couple, we’re still working on our credit so it’s hard to find a suitable place, so we were able to get this place just off of a good word without having to do any credit checks." Through REST's tenant training program, they were equipped with an in-depth understanding of their rights and responsibilities as tenants in the rental market.

Even though the couple enjoyed independence while living with Kingsley’s mother, the transition was demanding as the young couple became the final line of defence for their family. While Akayla stayed at home and cared for little Londynn, who was only approaching nine months of life, Kingsley shouldered the financial responsibilities. Recognizing their commitment and determination, REST stepped in to offer our holistic support through programs like Bridge of Hope and Bare Necessities, providing core needs for rent and food subsidies. These subsidies were the difference that helped them find their independence, save for their futures, and do everything necessary to welcome their little girl to the world.

Kingsley and Akayla praise their case manager, Alyssa, for her dedication, advocacy, and culturally sensitive approach to developing a successful plan of action to address their unique needs. Her competency and commitment ensured that the couple was timely informed about any donations received for baby supplies and toys. Further, Alyssa has connected Kingsley with a trucking program, a long-term goal he plans to achieve once he saves enough funds. The couple also dreams of buying a house together to foster generational wealth and housing security for their family.

Currently, Kingsley is a youth mentor for My Story, My Power: Strength in Storytelling, REST’s newest youth-led program, launching in October. This program will not only create a wealth of stories that depict youth homelessness but also empower youth to see that they are more than their trauma and that they have built power and resiliency through what they’ve survived. The incredibly talented Kingsley specialises in lyricism, funnelling his emotions and experiences into hip-hop and R&B. His original song, “PTSD,” delves into feelings of loss and anger after the death of his mother. The music video has more than 2000 views on YouTube and touched several hearts in the comments.

REST Centres is honoured to support Kingsley, Akayla, Londynn, and the rest of the Dwira family. It’s through the generosity of the community that we can continue to prevent youth homelessness in the Region of Peel. Please heed REST Centres' call to donate and support the positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and our society.