HOMELESS YOUTH GET A HAND UP
‘We’re here to help you. Whoever you are’
As most teens her age contemplated their future careers and checked the latest text on their phones, Leia Williamson was grateful for things much simpler: a warm shower, free laundry and coffee, and kindness.
Four years ago, Williamson, now 23, was homeless. The petite girl, once a high school band member who had been accepted to university, lived in fear at Calgary shelters, clutching her belongings.
What helped change her life was a storefront on 7th Avenue across from the 1st Street LRT station. That offer of a shower, laundry and coffee came from EXIT Community Outreach, a program that helps homeless youth.
Such basic comforts were a door to a lasting relationship with EXIT, one that helped Williamson find her feet again after she began to suffer from anxiety, her home situation fell apart and she ended up on the streets.
The trained counsellors at EXIT are friendly, always listen and are compassionate.
“It is a very welcoming place,” Williamson said. “That’s something I think is essential when you’re homeless.
“So many people everywhere think homeless, and then think lazy, mentally ill, addicted. All those negative words.
“EXIT doesn’t even think about those things. They’re just like, ‘We’re here to help you. Whoever you are, we’re OK with that.’ ”
EXIT is one of a series of programs offered by Wood’s Homes. The organization started in 1914 as an orphanage and over the years has morphed to include an array of support programs for struggling youth.
Wood’s Homes is one of a dozen charities supported this year by the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. The money will be divided between the organizations, and Wood’s Homes will dedicate its share to the EXIT program.
It took some months for Williamson to get off the streets. She was hospitalized for anxiety.
But today, her life is much improved. She lives at home (she had her own place for two years before that) and works. She is composed and thoughtful.
The bond with EXIT continues. Williamson still attends a women’s group at EXIT on Tuesday evenings, and she goes for counselling.
Wood’s Homes has residences for homeless youth, counselling, street services and outreach programs.
And yes, there are homeless youth in Calgary — roughly 300 at any given time who are less than 24 years old. Wood’s Homes has roughly 20,000 “contacts” of all kinds with youth each year, scattered across its various locations in Alberta. The average age is 16.
The EXIT program helps young people move from crisis in their lives to stability.
Many have left home for good reasons, according to program manager Madelyn McDonald. If they were abused, they made the right choice to go.
The problem lies in what comes next.
Some crash where they can; others are on the street. But if you don’t have a key you can put in the lock every night, then you are homeless.
“EXIT is a resource for young people who are in situations through no fault of their own,” McDonald said. “It’s a safety net.”