Learnings and Lessons

The housing crisis is overwhelming community shelters across Canada. Shelters must re-evaluate their approach to housing, especially those serving youth. Minimizing youth interactions with shelters can also limit the likelihood that homelessness becomes a part of their identity. 

Safe alternatives to shelters, also known as Shelter Diversion, can stabilize housing for youth. RAFT and its partner programs have been able to divert youth from accessing shelters on a continual basis. Shelter diversion is now being applied by community shelters across Canada.

Read a recap of the webinar on Making the Shift Inc.