Investing in youth opens doors to their future

“Threshold has been the most help I’ve had since leaving foster care and has saved me from being on the street where I could be today.” –JE “I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to everyone for being awesome. Threshold housing saved me. I was on the street and starting to pick up some bad habits. Then I moved into Holly House.” –Melea

This is what two young people had to say recently about their experience at Threshold Housing Society. At a time when these youth were at risk of ending up on the street, they were able to find a home with Threshold. In addition to having a room of their own where they were safe and secure, they were supported by staff and programming that made it possible for them get back on their feet. They are going to school, entering the work force, learning how to live independently and getting help when and where they need it most.

The number of homeless youth is a crisis in our community. Threshold cannot meet the demand. Many of our applications come from the youth themselves who know they are vulnerable and at risk of ending up on the streets. They want the safety, security and programming that Threshold provides.

Threshold youth are very aware that they are supported by people they have never met but who believe every young person deserves a chance in our society. They know, for example, that Forrest House, (one of four properties operated by Threshold) was made possible by a generous donor who understood that every adolescent needs a stable home to mature and begin their adult life. Her kindness has meant that dozens of young people are living a better life today.

The work of Threshold is not possible without generous donations. To ensure that this work continues into the future, Threshold Housing Society has established a legacy fund with the Victoria Foundation. Our donors often give because they are grateful for having a home and family that helped them succeed in life. Others know what it was like to be homeless and are grateful that someone reached out to help.

To stop adult homelessness, we must reach out to our at-risk youth today and prevent them going down the wrong path tomorrow. Reach out and give a homeless youth a chance.