Our Mission

YES works to reduce and prevent homelessness by providing shelter, education and transitional supports for youth and families in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Our Vision

All youth and families in our community are supported to lead full and positive lives.

About YES Shelter for Youth and Families

YES is a non-governmental, registered charitable organization based in Peterborough, Ontario. The organization began in the late 1990’s when a group of front-line housing workers recognized that there was a serious youth homelessness problem within Peterborough, with increasing numbers of homeless youth in need of housing. This dedicated group of individuals saw the need for a solution and in 2002, the YES Shelter was opened.

YES operate a 30 bed shelter to provide safety, warmth and food to youth (aged 16-24) and families (anyone with a child). On average for each night, YES provides emergency housing to 20 individuals-a total of approximately 6,300 bed-nights annually.

While emergency housing is a significant aspect of our services, YES has always believed that much more is needed to help our clients including prevention and transitional supports. In addition to providing a safe place for youth in the community, YES also provides guidance and assistance in the search for housing, employment or acquiring social benefits through case management of individual shelter residents. Our aim is to provide residents with the skills and resources to prevent their need for emergency shelter in the future. Some other programs offered at YES include;

-Food/Clothing Bank provides clothing and an emergency food bank to support youth, families and others within the community thanks to a partnership with the Kawartha Food Share and generous donations from members of the Peterborough community. Last year, 375 households and 475 individuals were supported by our food cupboard and 395 individuals accessed our clothing cupboard!

-Transitional Housing at Abbott House where youth can live in safety and stability for up to a year, with the support of a mentor to move forward on their life goals. Last year 13 youth resided at Abbott House with the support of a mentor.

-Youth-In-Transition Worker Program that focuses on youth who have been involved with Children’s Aid Society. The Transition Worker supports youth in identifying and moving forward towards their goals in addition to connecting them to services and new systems; overall nurturing their development and self-efficacy. Last year, our Youth-In-Transition Worker Program supported 69 Children's Aid Society Involved Youth.

-Youth Trustee Program acts as a liaison for youth aged 16-24 that have identified money management as a barrier to maintaining a safe and affordable lifestyle. The program is designed to be a collaborative effort between the client and the trustee, in order to empower the youth to enhance their financial and resource skills towards a more independent and financially secure future. 

- Youth Outreach Worker works to identify a personalized plan based on the youth's own goals for independence. The Youth Outreach Worker provides emotional, housing, educational, employment, health and legal support and more! Last year, our Youth Outreach Worker supported 68 youth and 18 family members!

-Transitional Life Skills Program is a comprehensive training program with weekly support and guidance. It aims to provide youth who are moving into independent living with the training and support to be successful.

-Employment Skills Training Program is occasionally offered to our youth and provides specialized employment and skills training programs. Some past examples include a construction program offered at our workshop and a food and nutrition program offered in the shelter kitchen.

-Carriage House is an alternative classroom that provides current and past shelter residents with the opportunity to continue or complete their high school education. It has been established in partnership with the KPRDSB and Peterborough Alternative & Continuing Education (P.A.C.E). Several individuals have completed their high school requirements at the Carriage House. Last year, 33 youth attended Carriage House!

For more information, please contact YES at 705-748-3851 or visit our website at www.yesshelter.ca.