As the holiday season is here, we reflect on another year and the milestones we have reached together. Likely one of our biggest steps forward has been our developing understanding of the role that ATTACHMENT plays in supporting young people to remain housed.

In a world where education is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of a brighter future, after-school programs have emerged as a beacon of hope for many children and Youth. And the RAFT is at the forefront of this transformative movement.

The RAFT began its mission to shelter Teens from homelessness in St. Catharines and the surrounding area in 1994, and in the decades since it has had a direct and crucial impact on the high school dropout rate.

After-school programs provide attachment. Like schools, they have the ability to create lasting and constructive impacts on youth development.

Homework ends homelessness. It’s a lesson we’ve learned in working with thousands of Teens over the years. Our goal is to spot warning signs of homelessness in schools early on and help Kids establish a sense of security, stability, and self-esteem.

Today, we’ll provide an overview of the importance of social bonds, why they’re vital to solving youth homelessness, and what we’re doing at RAFT to help enforce these connections.

Today, we’ll provide an overview of attachment, how strong healthy relationships provide Young People with a real place to call home, and what we’re doing at RAFT to facilitate change within the community.