Stop youth homelessness before it starts
No one chooses to be homeless. Yet thousands of young people in Ottawa and across our region don’t have a safe place to call home.
Together, we can change that.
Stop youth homelessness before it starts.
No one chooses to be homeless. Yet thousands of young people in Ottawa and across our region don’t have a safe place to call home.
Together, we can change that.
Why it matters
Youth homelessness has reached a crisis point. Each year, between 1,200 and 1,400 young people experience homelessness in Ottawa alone—with many more at risk across our region.
Homelessness is not a choice. It often begins with circumstances beyond a young person’s control—family conflict, abuse, or unsafe living environments.
A young person experiencing homelessness can be invisible. They may still show up for school or work, but when the day ends, they have no idea where they will sleep.
Once someone loses their home, everything becomes harder: staying healthy, feeling secure, and imagining a future. Without stability, it’s easy to lose your footing.
Many at-risk youth travel to Ottawa to access supports unavailable in their rural communities—leaving behind familiar networks and relationships they rely on.
When we act early before a young person reaches a crisis point—we can change the trajectory of their lives.
A bold committment
United Way East Ontario will raise $1 million in new funds over the next five years to help prevent and end youth homelessness in Ottawa.
A collective, community-wide response
United Way East Ontario has been working in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County for more than a decade to tackle youth homelessness at its root. Our team brings the sector together and works hand-in-hand to draw on the latest research to invest and build programs and initiatives that address the greatest needs and have the greatest impact.
Prevention is the solution
Homelessness isn’t just about a lack of shelter. Couch surfing and emergency shelters are short-term, unstable, and often unsafe—especially for young people.
That’s why we focus on prevention-first solutions and long-term stability.
When you give to help end youth homelessness, you provide at-risk youth with:
- Wrap-around supports to build a more stable life, like mental health counselling, education, and life and work skills programs.
- Support building positive connections with family, friends, schools, and communities, so they have a safety net that lasts.
- Essential resources like affordable housing and food.
Help us build strong, healthy, and safe communities
Show your support and help young people facing homelessness reach their full potential.
Choose your gift amount:
What impact looks like
Meet young people in our communities whose lives have changed because someone stepped in early—thanks to community partners and donors like you.
From homelessness to shining hope
As a teen, Cassandra faced homelessness just eight months after brain surgery. Cassandra now lives independently and is dedicated to helping others.
Getting a second chance at success
Brandan talks firsthand about his struggles early in life, which led to homelessness, and how a little support has gone a long way in helping him get his life back on track.
Finding a path to higher education
Supportive work environments help youth like Nikki, who has experienced homelessness, gain on-the-job training to build a more stable future.
Drawing on personal experience to help youth
Isaac’s first-hand experiences with substance use and homelessness help him connect and help today’s struggling youth.
Empowering youth for a brighter future
With housing more unaffordable than ever before, United Way works with our partners to ensure homeless youth don't grow up to be homeless adults.
24/7 support helping youth get back on track
Support with life skills, education, and future planning help youth move into independent living with success.
Together, we can end youth homelessness—for good
Your generosity today helps close the door to youth homelessness—and opens the door to stability, connection, and opportunity. Join us today and be part of the change.
We take accountability seriously
You should feel confident when supporting a charity, and we’re committed to full transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency. We invest your gift in smart, strategic ways, to ultimately move the needle.
100% LOCAL IMPACT
Every donation is put to work in the community where it is raised.
TOP-RATED CANADIAN CHARITY
An “A” for results reporting and a “✓+” for financial transparency by Charity Intelligence.
Learn more about United Way’s charity ratings and how your gift is managed.
Need help?
If you or someone you know is seeking mental health help, here are some immediate resources you can use:
CALL 9-1-1
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
DISTRESS CENTRE OF OTTAWA AND REGION
24/7 access to a mental health support hub.
Visit dcottawa.on.ca
Call the Distress Line at 613-238-3311
Text 343-306-5550
211 EASTERN ONTARIO
Find community, social, government, and health services closest to you.
Visit 211ontario.ca or call 2-1-1