Like homes, youth need strong foundations.
Homelessness is a complex issue, so we surround youth with holistic support to help them change their story and discover new possibilities.
A housing-first, community-driven model to keep youth off the streets and foster their transition to independent living.
Our methodology and programs support the 10-year strategic plan set forth by the Peel Region to address homelessness and affordable housing.
Our Model
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:
Transitional Housing
Applicant Assistance
Eviction Prevention
Landlord Training & Support
Flagship Program: 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 matching youth tenants with host families in the community. After being matched and moved in, REST leads regular follow-ups to support youth and host families with ongoing support and to ensure positive outcomes.
“REST Centres’ Bridge of Hope program is a great alternative to emergency shelters. When I refer a young person to REST, I have the utmost confidence that they will receive unwavering support and leave better off than when they came in.”
— YMCA of Greater Toronto
Living
INCOME, FOOD AND BASIC NECESSITIES.
From housing, we subsidize and help youth secure essential sources of income, food, personal care and household items.
Focus Areas:
Rent Subsidy
Food Subsidy
Household Starter Packs
Flagship Program: Bare Necessities
Homelessness is bigger than housing. Our ability to meet basic needs like food, personal hygiene and household furnishings are essential to creating a sense of stability in our lives. Of course, the same is true for youth experiencing homelessness. Bare Necessities is our response to extend support into these areas and to address the rising needs in our region. Through subsidies, gift cards and household starter packs, we empower youth to maintain a standard of living with a sense of safety and dignity as they work towards their independence.
“At times, I don’t know when or how I will eat. With the help of REST Centrs, a lot of that stress has been taken off my back. Having their grocery cards delivered each week lets me know someone cares about me, a team is cheering for me and loves me.”
—Parris, 23
Healing
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS.
Due to a lack of accessible resources and health care, especially for BIPOC and LGTBQ+ youth, our programs offer support to help heal the trauma that many homeless youths have experienced in their lives.
Focus Areas:
Physical Health
Mental Health
Emotional Health
Flagship Program 1: Black Youth Matter Hotline
The Black Youth Matter hotline is an emergency response line developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, that offers support to youth dealing with social isolation and facing factors that may lead to homelessness. We offer support from trained counsellors and guidance in where they can go for help.
COMING SOON
Flagship Program 2: H.E.R.O.
To address the lack of mental health services for racialized and homeless youth in Peel, we created H.E.R.O. (Healing Emotional Recovery and Opportunity). The program aims to reduce stigma and improve youth mental health through group therapy and professional counselling. At its core, we help youth address the factors that may or have led to homelessness and the impact of personal experiences, in order to empower them to shift their mindset, stories and future outlook.
Growing
CULTIVATING ESTEEM, ABILITY AND SELF-BELIEF.
Education is a foundation of our approach. Through tailored learning and development opportunities, youth build confidence, career and life skills that support their transition to independent living and beyond.
Focus Areas:
Tenant Education & Support
Financial Literacy
Home Economics
Employment Support
Mentorship
Work Placements
Flagship Program: L.I.F.E.
Through remote counselling and support groups, the L.I.F.E. skills program (Learning Initiative Fostering Employment) supports youth in developing fundamental personal, domestic and professional skills that support their independence, development and employment candidacy.
