Holidays just aren’t holidays without a home
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. We have begun a process where we intentionally centered attachment in all of our programs and services. Attachment has always been a key component of the services RAFT has delivered, from the moment a group of individuals got together in the early 1990’s, the goal was to reach out, to connect and ensure that young people remain attached to their family, friends, school, and community.
While the shelter system as a whole is seeing increasing use, the RAFT shelter has maintained our historic low occupancy. Since introducing Shelter Diversion in 2019, our shelter which often reached 100% occupancy is now often between 50-60% occupancy. More young people are being supported in their community where we have been able to connect with them and address their housing needs without requiring them to enter shelter. Importantly, Shelter Diversion has been able to successfully divert young people, with no previous history of shelter use, 5 out of 6 times to safe and appropriate housing. This is critically important because the majority of shelter stays are with young people who first entered the shelter system within the last 12 months and have had to access the shelter multiple times. A better outcome for all. We have also introduced a Rapid Re-Housing position within the shelter, where a staff works directly with everyone who enters shelter with the goal of moving them into housing as quickly and successfully as possible. The introduction of this position plus the ongoing service we provide means that our average length of stay in shelter is 13 days, compared to the sectors norm of 35 days. An unprecedented achievement!
An achievement which hasn’t gone unnoticed across Canada. RAFT’s programs and model of service have set a benchmark in what can be achieved and other communities and organizations across Canada are looking to participate. Launched in July 2022, our Training and Technical Assistance initiative allows other groups to explore our programming model and provides them with the tools and know-how to implement similar programs in their communities. After an initial start with two organizations, RAFT is now supporting 10 groups in Ontario and New Brunswick. Early results are promising, and the members are reporting decreasing reliance on their shelters and an ability to expand their support into the community. We are looking forward to continuing this journey with them and others.
While we focus on the programs, every program is successful because of the amazing staff who have dedicated themselves to ending youth homelessness and through the support of our community and partners. Thank you to our many community partners. We do not do this work alone. Thank you for your support as a community. You show up in more ways than one with donations, time, and dedication. You are ending youth homelessness and building up the youth in your community.
Youth homelessness can indeed be solved by strengthening the bonds of attachment – to family, friends, school, and community. Fastening kids to their social fabric has been the greatest success. Thank you for being OUR community – a thread that binds. Your contribution is woven into the Attachments that can prevent and end youth homelessness.
Thank you for supporting us during 2023. There is still work to be done. We look forward to continuing our work in 2024.
Holidays just aren’t holidays without a home.
Attachment is the answer.