For youth ages 16 to 24 in the region experiencing homelessness, Youth Haven in Barrie has been a beacon of safety and care since 1987, and tentatively, next week, a new chapter will begin in a new home.
A project launched over a year ago with the Simcoe County Homebuilders' Association (SCHBA) to build a new shelter on the same Wellington Street E. property is nearing completion and officials from the organization invited the media to tour the facility on Friday.
"Today is an exciting and meaningful day for Youth Haven, for our community, and most importantly - for the young people who will soon rely on this new emergency shelter for safety, stability, and hope," said Lucy Gowers, Youth Haven executive director.
The new build wasn't on the radar when Gowers invited representatives from the SCHBA to tour the former shelter to see if they could assist in making some repairs.
Mark Mulder, a member of the SCBHA and chairperson of Youth Haven's Board of Directors, recalls the visit to the shelter. At the time, he was not a member of Youth Haven's board.
"It was evident that repairs were not going to be feasible. We brought in a large team to cut some holes and have a look around, and we decided that the best approach would be to knock down the original building. We put a team together to do up some drawings, apply for permits and start the process."
With the assistance of the SCHBA, finding trades and suppliers eager to contribute to the project was beyond Mulder's expectations.
"Everyone was willing to give what they could," said Mulder. "Not everyone could give a hundred per cent, but they donated what they could, which was impressive and really moving to see what they were willing to do."
The new facility has a basement and two other levels, with a capacity to accommodate 31 youth, up from the current 20, and in most cases, two residents per room instead of six. Most of the rooms are on the second level, with several accessible rooms on the first floor.
There is a dedicated doctor's office, day-use facilities for street youth, study areas equipped with computers, a lounge, and recreational spaces.
Gowers noted that this project is top to bottom a community effort.
"It's the trades and our donors, really. I've been very fortunate that I have not had to apply for any grants. The money that we've used has come through family foundations, through fundraising events, church groups, and just so many community-minded individuals and organizations that wanted to help."
Youth Haven has raised more than $1 million, but there is still some fundraising work to do.
"Construction costs and essential accessibility features have increased significantly, and because of this, our fundraising goal has been raised to $1.25 million."
Gowers also praised the County of Simcoe for initially providing hotel accommodation and then a modular facility on Blake Street, where Youth Haven has been operational for several months. She also acknowledged the City of Barrie, which assisted with the processing of permits.
"Every member of our community has stepped up and walked alongside us on this journey. I think a lot of people have a soft spot for our youth. Many of the kids in our care want to be seen, heard, and supported, and that is what we are here for. Our community believes in investing in the future, and there is no better investment in the future than our youth."
The goal is to have the staff and youth move into the new shelter sometime next week.
"In a sense, our kids will be home for the holidays, where this will launch the beginning of a new chapter for Youth Haven, one grounded in hope, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every young person deserves a safe place to turn."
