Mayor Josh Morgan speaking at the media event for the opening of YOU's Community Youth Hub at LHSC's Victoria Hospital
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) is opening the doors to a new location for its Community Youth Hub located at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital. It is a key component of London’s Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System.
The Community Youth Hub will have 15 beds available to youth aged 16 to 24. It will offer support, access to health care, and connections to stable housing services.
The hub will not require individuals to be sober while living there, but will also not allow for consumption on the property.
“The Whole of Community System Response emerged from a crisis. People are living unsheltered, facing life-threatening situations on our streets,” says Mayor Josh Morgan.
“This initiative brings together organizations from all corners of the community, driven by research, experience, and a shared commitment to help. The Community Youth Hub is. Acritical part of this response, offering youth a path forward and an opportunity to succeed.”
The Community Youth Hub aims to address complex needs that go beyond housing.
“Youth dealing with homelessness are dealing with intense trauma and high levels of health-care needs,” explains Steve Cordes, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Opportunities Unlimited.
Youth currently make up 26 per cent of the homeless population in London and Middlesex County.
They are more likely to visit the emergency department (ED) or need hospitalization frequently. Previous data has shown that 642 out of 1,683 ED patients are unsheltered youth, and account for 280 visits each year.
“We believe that housing is health care,” says Nash Syed, Vice President of Children’s Hospital and Women’s Care at LHSC.
“This model of community integration will give youth an opportunity to heal and rebuild.”
This youth hub is primarily funded through a large investment.
The Health and Homeless Fund for Change donated $3 million, which went towards refurbishing the building. This organization was started by a $25-million donation from an anonymous London family donor and is managed by the London Community Foundation.
“There’ve been lots of questions about how the money will be spent, and the shelter is one answer,” Mayor Josh Morgan said.
The private donation was made when a group of about 200 representatives from 70 organizations and companies were creating London’s Whole of Community Response to Health and Homelessness.
Operating dollars of about $1.3 million will come from the city of London.
The Community Youth Hub plans to expand a second location at Joan’s Place later this year. This Hub is specified as a safe and affordable home for youth, young mothers, and mothers-to-be at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The Chief Executive Officer of YOU says, “Through this partnership, we’re giving youth a chance to reconnect with family, build a sense of community, and plan for a stable future. The hub is more than just a place to stay; it’s a place to grow, heal, and see a brighter path forward.”
