Mission’s shelter for youths and families in high demand
Displaced families and homeless youths will now have a place to rest their heads.
Since opening the doors to the Downtown Mission’s Wellness Centre two months ago, the 74 beds have been filled every night.
Thanks to a donation by the Barry and Stephanie Zekelman Foundation, the youth and family portion of the facility was officially opened Tuesday.
The rooms, located in the Wellness Centre at 875 Ouellette Ave., have four beds and provide emergency shelter for families and youths aged 16 to 22.
“We are set to transform lives now and well into the future,” said Ron Dunn, executive director of Downtown Mission.
“Prior to the opening of those beds, there was no place for youths in our community to go in case of an emergency and sleep, so they ended up couch surfing or worse — at a Tim Hortons or McDonald’s overnight.
“Opening this emergency crashbed centre has really been our crown jewel.”
Dunn said it is important to be able to get to youths early enough so it reduces the chance they will need their services as adults.
“That is the ultimate goal,” he said.
Barry Zekelman said supporting the Downtown Mission’s Wellness Centre was an easy choice since the foundation focuses on youths and families.
“We felt there was a great need in the community and we wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s important to lead by example and hopefully inspire others in the community.”
Stephanie Zekelman said the foundation has been involved with the mission for a decade. She said they’ve always believed they have an obligation as a family to give back.
“It’s really the fundamental of a home,” she said. “Our children are so fortunate they have two parents, they have a safe home and the comfort and the love of their parents.
“Can you imagine being on the streets without that foundation? That’s something the mission is giving back to those children.”