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.