Housing First

This program supports youth who experience homelessness by moving them into permanent housing as quickly as possible.

The workers will assist youth who are chronically or episodically homeless find independent and permanent housing within their communities. Workers help youth to develop and pursue their goals, and will support them to identify, access and navigate service systems relevant to their specific needs.

What is Housing First?

This service is designed to support youth moving from homelessness to a life of stability and success. Housing First works with youth who may have little to no housing readiness skills.

It is proven that youth are more successful when working towards their goals if they are housed first. This program provides youth with the opportunity to have independent and permanent housing before beginning to work on other areas in their lives with staff support.

Who is the target population?

The RAFT focuses on supporting youth, aged 16 to 24 years old, who are chronically or episodically homeless.

Where is this program available?

This program is available in the entire Niagara region.

What does a Housing First Worker do?

A Housing First Worker:

• finds adequate, affordable and suitable housing for youth
• supports youth in positive decision making and goal planning
• coordinates access to services to ensure basic individual needs of youth are met
• links individual youth to appropriate services locally and regionally
• acts as an advocate for youth
• provides ongoing support to youth to help ensure success and stability