Youth Haven Barrie cracks $65,000 mark for Coldest Night of the Year walk
The organization assisted more than 600 youth in 2021
Saturday was the official Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk for Youth Haven in Barrie, though due to COVID-19 protocols, the virtual event has been taking place throughout February, and the $60,000 fundraising target was shattered.
By late Saturday afternoon, more than $65,000 had been raised to help provide shelter, services and programs to youth 16 to 24 years of age who are experiencing homelessness.
More than 200 walkers and 44 teams registered for CNOY.
“The money raised is used to support our services and programs that we offer our youth,” said Youth Haven executive director Lucy Gowers. “But in order to support our youth, we need staff, and we need to maintain the shelter, keep the lights on, and put food on the table for these kids.”
Youth Haven helped over 600 youth through their programs in 2021.
“We encourage our youth who are experiencing homelessness to go to school, to find a job, and eventually find a permanent home.”
The young people who come to Youth Haven are there not because they dislike the rules at home, said Gowers, but because home is no longer a place where they feel safe.
“I invite people to come to the shelter and see for themselves. For these kids, Youth Haven is basically a last resort.”
Gowers said when youth come to the shelter or enter the transitional program, they will find expectations, rules and structure.
“Most of the kids who come to us really do need the structure for them,” she explained. “They need somebody to believe in them, but to also have structure in place, so they can continue to live a life that they are going to be proud of, which teaches a person discipline and respect.”
Youth Haven also has staff that provide outreach services in Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County.
Most often, a youth seeking help from the organization is fleeing a home where they have been abused. Other issues that also cause youth to reach out for assistance can be as far-ranging as mental health struggles, neglect, support for their sexual orientation, and even kids who are rescued from human trafficking.
Gowers added she is grateful and humbled by the support from the community, who she said have chosen to be the difference in the lives of these young people.
