The Raft Is Innovation.
Promoting social enterprise with Niagara's Youth.
The Raft Is Friends.
Unity Games and After School Matters.
The Raft Is Opportunity.
Education, Shelter & Prevention.
The Raft Is Support.
LIfeskills, Housing and Nourishment.

Who We Are

The RAFT has supported thousands of youth of all ages to become independent and self-sufficient individuals. >> Learn More

Youth Resources & Programs

Preventative, as well as reactive, services throughout Niagara, designed to support youth to lead independent and healthy lives. >> Learn More

How You Can Get Involved

Get involved by donating time, money or your personal commitment – you can make a difference in the lives of Niagara youth. >> Learn More

Two Years of Shelter Diversion: Learnings and Lessons

Posted Aug 9th, 2021

This report examines the effectiveness of a Centralized Shelter Diversion program in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada between April 2019 and April 2021. The dataset consists of information gathered by a team of Shelter Diversion workers who had 2,643 interactions with 1,181 unique people as they sought access to shelter provided by the RAFT’s Youth Shelter, Southridge Community Church’s Adult Shelter, or the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara’s Nightlight Youth Shelter. The report plots the n...

The Orange Door Project 2021

Posted Jul 6th, 2021

We’ve partnered with The Home Depot Canada Foundation to help raise funds for Niagara youth! All funds raised at the St. Catharines Home Depot store during the campaign will support the RAFT.

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How RAFT is making a difference

Niagara Resource Service for Youth

The RAFT is operated by the Niagara Resource Service for Youth and helps kids living on the street and those at risk of being on the street learn skills for leading healthy, productive lives.

Through its Neighbourhood Awakening and After School Programs, the RAFT helps young people and local groups make positive changes in their neighbourhoods.

Since the beginning, our community has generously supported the RAFT through both financial and in kind donations.

Program Highlight: Youth Reconnect

Without your support the RAFT would not exist.

Help support RAFT and its mission by making a donation.

RAFT services strengthen the emotional and social well being of clients while acting as a portal to community resources.

Donate Now!

Community Partnerships

Program Partners

Community Visionaries - Our Funders

The Raft Is Innovation.

The Raft Is Friends.

The Raft Is Opportunity.

The Raft Is Support.