YouthLink

Location: 747 Warden Ave.
Client group: Youth
Number of beds: 41 transitional, 10 emergency
Opening date: April 2019
Service operator: YouthLink

A transitional shelter for youth is now open in Scarborough operated by YouthLink. The program has 10 available emergency beds and will provide 41 transitional housing beds when fully operational. YouthLink has been serving youth in Scarborough for more than 100 years, offering counselling and clinical services at its Warden Avenue home for 13 of those years. In 2016, the staff helped more than 7,000 youth and their families. YouthLink was successful in a City of Toronto Request for Expression of Interest for new services for youth experiencing homelessness in Scarborough.  The goal: to provide an intensive support and referral system for youth as they prepare for the next phase of their lives.

Some of the services YouthLink intends to provide its transitional housing clients:

  • Individual counseling, goal setting and supports to become job ready and employed
  • Help to access education and training opportunities
  • Motivational programming that includes guest speakers and opportunities to connect with role models
  • Life skills classes in cooking and budgeting
  • Stress management, conflict resolution and communications training
  • Assistance to find permanent housing and ongoing support to maintain that housing
  • Links with the continuum of YouthLink services which include support with mental health issues, substance use issues and intellectual disabilities

In May 2017, YouthLink held two open houses to share information about the proposed program with local community members. A celebration BBQ was held in May as well, and attracted more than 100 people.

A City staff report recommending this proposal was adopted by Council in July 2017.