A place for homeless youth to isolate
Shelter’s focus has been on keeping youth ‘healthy, safe and in-site’
KITCHENER — The region’s youth shelter, Oneroof, has become a place where youth who are homeless can isolate during the day as well as have a bed for the night.
“These youth just have nowhere to go,” said Sandy Dietrich-Bell, chief executive officer of Oneroof, a nonprofit that offers support to youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The shelter used to operate from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. with a drop-in program during the day. With everything in the region shuttered, the youth who use Oneroof’s shelter can now stay there 24-7.
There haven’t been any cases at the shelter yet.
Dietrich-Bell said youth are screened for symptoms twice a day and also if they return from being out for an extended period of time.
Oneroof’s new location at 35 Sheldon Ave. is a larger space with an ample backyard for the youth to get fresh air during the day. It was a challenge to move to a new location during the pandemic, but Dietrich-Bell said the youth are enjoying the new space.
“Things aren’t perfect, but we’re there,” she added.
Right now the shelter’s 18 permanent beds are full, and its winter overflow space will see eight to 15 youth attend each night.
The pandemic has slowed down other supports Oneroof can offer to youth at risk of homelessness, like its day program and other resources.
Oneroof used to also support 20 to 25 youth who have places to live, but are at risk of homelessness. These youth used other services at the nonprofit such as the drop-in day program.
She said staff are telling them to stay where they are if possible.
Staff are checking in with them regularly to make sure they are doing OK, and to direct them to resources they may need such as emergency food hampers or health care.
Dietrich-Bell has big plans for
Oneroof’s new location. It includes a thrift store called Change 4 Change that will employ 30 youth a year and sell donated items as well as handmade items made by youth.
Those plans will not come to light until the pandemic is over.
“Right now our focus has been on keeping youth healthy, safe and in-site,” she said.
Staff and youth practise social distancing as much as possible during the day. Staff are wearing personal protective equipment throughout their shifts, cleaning services comes in daily to sanitize the shelter, and youth are told to wash their hands regularly.
Dietrich-Bell said youth have been co-operative with infection control protocols for the most part.
“They’re very appreciative they have a place to be,” she added.
Like many nonprofits, Dietrich-Bell also worries about how the cancellation of important fundraisers will impact Oneroof’s budget as the year rolls on.
“We’re really hoping the community doesn’t forget about us,” she said.