Standing Committee Presentation (May 4, 2018)

Youth Homelessness in Winnipeg

The story of this plan begins with the experiences of youth on the streets of Winnipeg. For the vast majority homelessness was not a choice, but he result of family breakdowns. Youth homelessness is a complex social issue with dire consequences for youth, our neighbourhoods and communities.

Yet, we know today that youth homelessness is preventable

"The system has created [youth homelessness], and it isn't working. It has never worked. Indigenous people need to restore our place in caring for our young people.

-Indigenous Leader Discussion

• Everyday there are at least 200 youth in Winnipeg without a place to call home
• The Government of Canada estimates that homelessness affects 150,000 Canadians each year, including 65,000 youth. Youth are considered to be the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in Canada

Winnipeg Street Census 2015

• 'Moment in time' study intended to gather information about the extent and nature of homelessness in Winnipeg
• Provides important demographic information to improve decision-making and inform strategies
• 18 years old was the most common age that individuals first become homelesss
• 70% of those experiencing long-term (10+ years) homeleness first became homeless as a youth
• 26.5% of all people experiencing homelessness were youth, between the ages of 16-29
• Updated data coming in June 2018

The Place is Here - The Time is Now

• Winnipeg without a strategy on how to address youth homelessness

• Youth need a unique plan that is reflective of unique circumstances

• Youth homelessness is distinct from adult homelessness, both in terms of its causes and consequences, but also in how we must consider and apply interventions

• 84% of youth experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg identify as Indigenous. Almost half of First Nations youth grew up in a First Nations community

Winnipeg's Plan to End Youth Homelessness

Vision

Mission

A place were all youth have a safe place to live and thrive

To prevent and end youth homelessness by implementing a community sanctioned strategy that ensures youth and families have what they need to thrive

Inclusion, Connections, Engagement

Government, Community Agencies and Organizations

Youth

At least 100 youth who experienced homelessness participated in the development of the plan

At least 200 community and government stakeholders representing 70 different agencies, departments, or associations participated in the development of the Plan.

Steering Committee

-RaY convened a meeting with leaders from youth-serving organizations who would later form the Steering Committee for the Plan

-Members were invited to represent their organizations, based on their experience working with youth who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness

Youth Homelessness Strategy Launched in October 2016

4 Pillars of the Youth Plan

ACCESS - Youth have immiedate access to the supports needed to prevent, alleviate and respond to homelessness

PREVENTION - Youth and their families struggling with risk factors of homelessness are identified and supported

HOUSING AND SUPPORTS - Youth have access to a full range of housing, and housing with support options, based on need and choice

SUPPORTS TO THRIVE - All youth with experience of homelessness have the supports they need to maintain housing and thrive

Planned, Supported, and Healthy Transitions

There are currently 3 Youth Safe Spaces in Winnipeg

-Rossbrook House (Centennial)

-Spence WE 24/7 (West End)

-Ndinawe (North End)

Youth safe spaces provide:

-A safe space for youth to access when they do not feel safe at home and are at risk on the streets

-A place to access support and resources (access to housing, wellness programing EIA, food, clothing, cultural activities, recreational activities)

-Provide overnight shelter during extreme cold

-Coordinate street outreach for youth

*And much, much more!

*Youth safe spaces do not have stable funding to keep their doors open to youth

Youth Safe Spaces

• Youth safe spaces provide refuge to children and youth

• Youth safe spaces provide supported, planned and healthy transitions for youth experiencing crisis and homelessness

• Youth safe spaces as prevention initiatives