On Wednesday, Youth Haven's emergency shelter in Barrie was torn down.
The old Wellington Street facility is being replaced with a new and larger home on the same property that will increase capacity from 19 to 31 beds for youth experiencing homelessness.
The project, in partnership with the Simcoe County Homebuilders' Association (SCHBA), will be completed in spring 2025. Until then, the youth are at a hotel where Youth Haven continues to offer programs and services.
"As many of you know, our current shelter has served us well but is beyond repair. It's no longer a safe or viable space for youth and it's time to look to the future," said Youth Haven executive director Lucy Gowers during a ceremony on the shelter property last week.
The new facility will have a medical office, counselling spaces, a study area, laundry facilities, a large kitchen and outdoor recreational spaces.
"With access to mental health support and community resources, we can help our youth thrive instead of nearly surviving. We will be able to offer a space where people can form connections and develop the skills necessary for independent living," said Gowers. "Through workshops and programs, they can gain financial literacy, learn about job opportunities, and understand the importance of healthy relationships."
Kyle is one of the many young people who have come through the doors of Youth Haven for shelter and support. He left his home at age 18 due to what he said was emotional and mental neglect by his family.
"In the middle of the night I felt like I had to leave home with nothing more than a couple of changes of clothes and my bike."
Kyle got on his bike for a three-hour ride to Barrie, and in late April 2022, he says he found Youth Haven.
"I was so vulnerable and not sure who I was, not sure of my future or anything."
Since being at Youth Haven, Kyle says he has been able to get the mental health and emotional support that he needed and find his place in society. Kyle credits the staff and programs at Youth Haven for helping him get to a point where he is now in college and trying to find housing.
James Bazley, first vice-president of SCHBA, said some youth require nothing more than an opportunity to receive counselling, guidance, and an opportunity to do something with their lives.
"Some may have fallen victim to broken homes, temptation to drug abuse, or abuse of other sorts. This doesn't sentence them to a life of misery. I think we as a society should help those who fall between the cracks."
Youth Haven's discussions with the SCHBA about a new shelter began about two years ago.
"It's been a huge undertaking," said Mark Mulder, chair of Youth Haven's board of directors. "The Simcoe County Homebuilders' Association has put together a great group of volunteers to get us to where we are."
Youth Haven has set a $1M fundraising goal and has raised nearly $700,000. The donors include $100,000 from the Kiwanis Club of Barrie, and $10,000 from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada.
There are in-kind gifts from the SCHBA.
More information about the project is at: newhavenbarrie.ca .
