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Youth Shelter

In early 2004, a group of inner city agencies identified that a large percentage of homeless youth were avoiding the use of existing Edmonton shelters, due to: the amount of accountability, safety issues, lack of caring staff, and invasive intake procedures. Instead, these youth decided to find shelter in places such as bank machine lobbies, abandoned buildings and bus shelters. A program that offers a safe and non-judgmental environment, with staff members who have a genuine concern for “hardened” youth, was necessary in order to connect with these youth. Since September 2004, Hope Mission Youth Shelter has offered this environment. The provision of emergency shelter serves as a great “contact point”. Many youth have accessed this service because of the minimal accountability, and safe environment. The shelter is tolerant towards youth under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the intake procedure is minimal (requiring only a name and date of birth). The shelter was originally a one-year pilot project, but after seeing just how great the need was for a our services, Hope Mission Youth Shelter became a permanent program and a critical resource for a large population of homeless youth. Offering this free service and building relationships with those who access it has helped youth gain trust in service providers. As of September 2010, nearly 3000 individuals have accessed the services offered at HMYS.

Client Profile

The clients of Hope Mission Youth Shelter are often involved with drugs and alcohol, criminal activity, prostitution. Most youth have/had involvement with Children’s Services. Mental health issues are also quite common. In spite of these circumstances, all of these individuals have immense value and potential to be important and contributing members of our society.

Emergency Mat Program Overview

A free overnight emergency accommodation service for co-ed youth aged 16-24yrs which includes:

- Space for up to 70 youth aged 16 to 24 years
- Separate sleeping areas for males and females
- Food services, prepared at the adjacent Hope Mission, including: breakfast, bag lunches and evening snacks.
- Showers and basic hygiene products for client use.
- A private room for crisis/suicide intervention and informal counseling.
- Secure short-term storage of client belongings.
- Common area for eating, drop-ins, inservices etc.

Shift Program

A program for youth who are willing to take the necessary steps live a stable and responsible lifestyle.  This program includes:

- Opportunity for youth to stabilize in a safe environment
- Single occupancy rooms (12 beds for males)
- Common areas such as kitchen, recreation room, and laundry facilities.
- The formulation of individual action plans for each client.
- Non-medical detoxification
- Life skills training
- Courses on topics such as:  addictions, anger management, positive stress relief, boundary setting, personal health and wellness, identifying emotions, personal identity etc.
- Spiritual exploration through bible study, church involement etc.
- Referrals to other agencies such for such activities as medical services, addiction counseling, supported living programs, employment skills, etc.

Outreach Program

A team of Outreach Workers, working with both the Emergency Centre and the Shift Program, who:

- Build a rapport, and assess the individual needs of the youth accessing the Emergency Centre.
- Make referrals and offer assistance in obtaining: Government Identification, personal and addiction counseling, psychiatric and psychological assessment and treatment, medical assistance, employment, housing, legal assistance, pregnancy and parenting resources, mentorship and fellowship with Christian community
- Help facilitate the life skills training and other courses offered by the Shift Program.
- Screen potential candidates for the Shift Program.
- Formulate an individualized action plan for interested youth.
- Build a relationship of accountability with the youth in the Shift Program.
- Meet with the clients on an ongoing basis to continue to encourage and support the client through each step of their working plan.
- Continue follow-up work with the youth and continue to be a resource for the youth, after they have achieved their goals.
- Provide continued assistance and metorship to youth who have been housed through Hope Mission programs.

YOUTH SHELTER – DOUG RUTTEN
(780) 422-2018 Ext.259