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Chapter 1 - What is Eva's Phoenix?
Chapter 2 - Eva's National Initiative
Chapter 3 - Homeless Youth - Who Are They?
Chapter 4 - Effective Programs
for Homeless Youth
Chapter 5 - Developing the Vision
for Eva's Phoenix
Chapter 6 - Turning the Vision into Reality
Chapter 7 - Developing Strategic Partnerships
Chapter 8 - Working with Funders
Chapter 9 - Youth Goal-Setting and
Case Management Approach
Chapter 10 - Working with Youth
Chapter 11 - Mentorship
Chapter 12 - Working with Staff
Chapter 13 - Making the Transition
to Community
Chapter 14 - Social Enterprise
Chapter 15 - Evaluation
Chapter 16 - Policies and Procedures

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Chapter 4 - Effective Programs for Homeless Youth:
What do we know about what works?

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A Cross Canada Overview

Organizations across Canada have developed a range of innovative responses to address the needs of homeless youth. The following is a brief overview of just a few of these initiatives:

6 - YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto has a long history of working with youth, including operating recreational programs, a substance abuse program and a 50 bed crisis shelter.

The Y is committed to developing a program based on the “foyer” model (which was started in France and is widely used in YMCAs across the UK). The key principles of a Foyer are: Holistic provision for homeless young people encompassing safe and affordable accommodation, guidance and support, and access to learning and work. In the UK, foyers serve disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16 and 25 who are homeless or in need of housing. The average length of stay is nine to twelve months, but the alumni often continue their relationship with the Foyer. Youth may be either self-referred or referred by other agencies.

In the UK the Foyer Federation is an umbrella body linking operational and developing Foyers. Its role is to influence government policy with respect to the needs of disadvantaged youth, to promote foyers and their work to stakeholders, to support good practice and innovation, to secure funding for Foyer work, and to ensure the quality of Foyer work (through an accreditation system). The Federation offers information and training to member Foyers, as well as advice and support throughout the developmental process.

In the GTA, the Y would like to implement a network of Foyers adapted to the needs of different neighbourhoods. These foyers would include elements such as the following:

  • Drop-in
  • Transitional housing
  • Employment/training
  • Social enterprises
  • Substance abuse program
  • Recreation
  • Education (link to The Academy – an accredited educational institution already run by the Y)

The Y is in the process of identifying and selecting potential sites for Foyers in the GTA. One of the biggest issues they are currently facing is the NIMBY issue, as neighbourhoods react negatively to the idea of a program for disadvantaged youth in their midst. A second major challenge is lack of funding for transitional housing. The Y is just starting to initiate discussion with funders regarding the Foyer model.

For more information contact:

Victoria Peace
Manager, Youth Outreach and Intervention
YMCA of Greater Toronto
Email: Victoria.Peace@YMCA.NET
Phone: 416.504.1710 ext 230

 

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