Lockout Youth Homelessness

Through the operation of Sunrise House, we provide temporary and transitional shelter to youth ages 12-17 who find themselves without a safe place to turn. Youth come to us for may reasons – family breakdown, family violence, neglect, mental health, substance abuse, exploitation – and any other reason that for them they do not feel safe to return home. Our primary goal as an agency is to break these cycles of trauma and poverty to put an end to youth homelessness in our region. In order for us to continue providing a high level of care to ensure that no youth is left without a safe place to turn, it is critical that this project comes to fruition. 20% of Canada’s homeless are youth. And it is estimate that between up to 70% of homeless adults in Canada had their first experience of homelessness when they were a child or youth. It is evident that efforts must focus on prevention rather than reactive measures and when we can increase our preventative programs and services.