Shelterlink Raises Flag to Combat Youth Homelessness in Stratford

On a cold Monday morning, nearly three dozen residents and support workers from Shelterlink Youth Services gathered at city hall in Stratford, Canada, to observe Youth Homelessness Awareness Day with a flag-raising ceremony. The event aimed to highlight the alarming issue of youth homelessness, which affects individuals as young as 14.

Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change

Cate Trudeau, executive director of Shelterlink, emphasized the importance of acknowledging youth homelessness, noting that almost 40 percent of homeless youth in Canada experience homelessness for the first time before the age of 16. “The earlier a person experiences homelessness, the more they are likely to face chronic homelessness later in life,” Trudeau stated. “Prevention is key, and it begins with early intervention.”

According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness at York University, approximately 35,000 youth in Canada experience homelessness each year. This statistic underlines the urgent need for action to address the crisis.

Harjinder Nijjar, Stratford’s deputy mayor, who raised the flag during the ceremony, pointed out that youth homelessness often goes unnoticed. “They’re not always on the streets. Many are couch-surfing, living in shelters, or struggling in unsafe environments,” Nijjar remarked. “These are not choices; they are a result of circumstances like family breakdowns, poverty, and mental health challenges.”

Nijjar called for enhanced support for local services, advocacy for affordable housing, and efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding homelessness. “We can help ensure every young person has a safe place to call home. Let’s be the voice they need. Let’s be the change,” he urged.

Collaborative Efforts to Address Youth Homelessness

Kim McElroy, director of social services in Stratford, provided insight into the current situation, revealing that the city’s by-name list includes 14 youth experiencing homelessness, with 11 fleeing domestic violence. Furthermore, 12 of these individuals meet the definition of chronic homelessness, having been unhoused for multiple months. “These realities make one thing clear: We solve youth homelessness through strong, co-ordinated partnerships,” McElroy stated.

Highlighting the collaborative spirit in Stratford, McElroy mentioned various local organizations, including Shelterlink, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Children’s Aid Society, among others. “Together, we need to focus our efforts on advancing prevention, early intervention, housing first for youth, and a no-exits-to-homelessness approach from public systems,” she added.

Following the event, Trudeau expressed the significance of the flag-raising in conveying to youth that they are seen and valued. “A large group of community members have come together to say that they matter, and it’s important,” she said. Despite facing criticism recently regarding its handling of the local homelessness crisis, Trudeau noted that Nijjar’s participation in the ceremony demonstrated the city’s commitment to addressing the issue.

For over three decades, Shelterlink has played a vital role in supporting homeless youth in Stratford. Trudeau remarked on the community’s proactive approach, stating, “Not a lot of small communities have youth-specific shelters or youth-specific homelessness prevention programming, so I think we’re a bit ahead of the curve with that in the City of Stratford.” The collaboration between the city, Shelterlink, and the community reflects a strong commitment to tackling youth homelessness effectively.