Bridging the Gap

Supporting Unhoused Youth

Youth homelessness is a pressing issue in Canada, with thousands of young people struggling to find stable and secure housing. In Halton Region, the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton supports the Bridging the Gap program in providing critical support to youth aged 16 – 24 who are experiencing or at risk of becoming unhoused..

The Alarming Reality

The numbers of unhoused youth can be hard to determine with many young people couch-surfing or staying in temporary accommodations that are not suitable for long-term living. According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, approximately 35,000 to 40,000 youth become unhoused each year in Canada. This can have serious consequences on their physical and mental health, education, and employment prospects.

Youth who have been involved with Children’s Aid Societies are at higher risk of becoming unhoused. Research shows that roughly 60% of homeless youth have been in foster care or received other services from a CAS.

A Targeted Approach: Supporting Youth in Care

The Bridging the Gap program is specifically designed to support youth who are in the care of the Halton Children’s Aid Society (HCAS) or have been in care in the past. This program recognizes that youth in care often face unique challenges in transitioning to independence and provides targeted support to help them achieve stability and success.

How Bridging the Gap is Making a Difference

The Bridging the Gap program offers a comprehensive range of services to support youth in achieving stability and independence. The program includes:

• Housing Support: Providing assistance with rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.
• Transitional Housing: Offering temporary accommodation in one of three Bridging Houses, each staffed by workers from the Halton Children’s Aid Society.
• Wrap-around Support: Providing individualized support to help youth access education, employment, and healthcare services.
• Single Occupancy Apartments: Offering independent living arrangements for youth who are ready for more autonomy.
• Host Home Program: Matching youth with a host family who can provide a supportive and stable living environment.

Breaking the Cycle

The Bridging the Gap program is designed to address the root causes of youth becoming unhoused, including poverty, family conflict, and mental health issues. By providing a safe and supportive environment, the program helps youth to:

• Complete their education and gain employment skills
• Access healthcare and counseling services
• Develop life skills and independence
• Rebuild relationships with family and community

The complex and pressing issue of unhoused youth requires a comprehensive and supportive response. The Bridging the Gap program shows community-based initiatives can make a real difference in the lives of young people. By providing targeted support to youth in care, and offering a range of services to help them achieve stability and independence, the program is helping youth to find safe, secure housing and build a brighter future.