2. Homelessness Myths
1. “They want to be homeless or they are to blame to be homeless”
Most homeless youth are victims from some sort of violence or abuse and have been forced
to leave. Less than 6% of homeless youth have chosen this life.
2. “Homeless youth live on the streets”
Most homeless youth live in temporary beds, with friends or relatives, in church
basements, in welfare motels and in abandoned buildings and vehicles.
3. “Homeless youth and violent and dangerous”
They are almost always the victims of crimes such as rape, assault and robbery and not the
perpetrators.
http://www.yws.on.ca/youth-homelessness/myths
3. Discrimination, Abuse and Neglect
o Homosexual and bisexual men earn 14-16% less than heterosexual men
o They average Caucasian’s household income is $67,175, while the averages African-
American’s is $39,760, that’s a
41%
decrease
o 20% of teens end up homeless due to feeling neglected and unwanted
o 70% of homeless teens have experienced sexual, emotional or physical abuse
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/news/2012/04/16/11494/the-gay-and-transgender-wage-gap/
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-income-gap-between-blacks-and-whites-2013-8
4. Financial Issues and Poverty
o After a teen turns a certain age, they may be kicked out of the house and if they have no
place to go, they can become homeless
o Rises and falls in the economy can affect how many jobs are available for youth
o New, young immigrants may not be able to afford housing
o These issues may have been caused by the discrimination, abuse and neglect listed before
5. Parental Status and Relationship
o Depending on a teens's relationship with a parent, the chance of being abused could increase
o Violence at home affects 2 million Canadians a year
o A teen will sometimes leave a home if it is no longer providing the needs and support for
them
o 40% of homeless youth have a history of foster care or group home care
This is the main cause of youth homelessness.
13. Purpose, values and a brief
history
Mission
Youth Without Shelter is an emergency residence and referral agency serving
homeless youth. We are dedicated to providing shelter and support programs for
homeless youth ages 16-24. We provide an independent shelter, committed to
diverse, client-focused services, in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Our
programs enable youth to live responsibly and independently in society.
Values:
Accountability, clie
ntfocused, collaborati
on, communication, c
reativity, excellenc
e, diversity, integr
ity, respect.
http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf
Vision:
Ending
homelessness…one
youth at a time, one
step at a time.
14. What YWS Provides to the Youth
o 17,757 safe shelter nights
o 88,785 nutritious meals and snacks
o 84 youth employed through the Employment Program
o 68 youth permanently housed
o 448 food and hygiene packages distributed to former residents
o 237 monthly transit passes enabled youth in the Stay in School
Program to continue their education
o 5,256 client case management meetings guided youth in mapping out
their next steps
o 1,000’s of school supplies, hygiene products and clothing items
helped youth reach for their goals
o 478 life skills and educational workshops in the Steps to Success
Program
http://www.yws.on.ca/get-help
http://www.yws.on.ca/photos
17. "I feel safe here, therefore, I can concentrate on my studies. If I wasn't in a place
like this, I would have been on the street" Sarah, age 17
“This program [Stay-in-School] helps me believe in myself and helps me realize that I
can be who I want to be” Peter, age 16
“The work you guys do is incredible and you change more lives than you will ever
know.” Nichole, 16 years after leaving YWS
“I felt more welcomed into this shelter than I have felt
anywhere else. They helped me believe in myself and they
helped me realize that I can do whatever I want to in life as
long as I put my mind to it.” Melissa, age 18
*All quotes taken from the Youth Without Shelter website: YWS.on.ca
20. How does YWS receive funding?
▪ Most of their income comes from the Canadian Government
▪ The secondary source of funds are from fundraising or
grants.
▪ Only 8% of funds are given by United Way; a corporate
sponsor.
This data was taken from the YWS 2012-2013 impact report.
http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf
21. Where They Spend Their Money
Local
volunteers
making an
impact for
their
community
http://www.yws.on.ca/photos
22. How Effective is the Charity at Spending their
Resources?
10x
Only 4.4% is spent on Administration, while almost
that is used on Residential costs;
an imperative program at the shelter.
This data was taken from YWS’s 2012-2013 impact report.
http://www.yws.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/YWS-Impact-Report-2012-13.pdf
23. Primary Use of the Grant
▪ The shelter is in need of updated furniture for the
facilities
▪ This will
directly impact the Youth Without Shelter
local community
▪ Safer furniture will prevent accidents for all in the
building
24. How the YWS Community Benefits from the
Grant
A youth
talking to
an
employment
counselor
http://www.yws.on.ca/photos
25. These are some
youth outside
the doors of
Youth without
Shelter
http://www.yws.on.ca/
