United Way East Ontario’s campaign to end youth homelessness is getting a $100,000 boost, and we will be matching donations 3X through June to keep the momentum going.
In January, we made a bold commitment to raise an additional $1 million over the next five years to prevent youth homelessness in Ottawa. Today’s gift comes courtesy of the Turnbull Family Foundation.
United Way is working to stop youth homelessness before it starts by focusing on prevention-first solutions and long-term stability for those most vulnerable.
The funds raised through this campaign will provide local at-risk youth with the wrap‑around supports they need to thrive—from mental health counselling and education to life and work‑skills training. We’re also supporting young people in strengthening connections to family, friends, schools and community, to create a safety net that lasts—helping young people access stable housing and build a better future.
“We have a real opportunity to truly end youth homelessness in Ottawa,” says Rachael Wilson, President & CEO, United Way East Ontario. “While it’s amazing to see leaders from across sectors and local government working together to solve this issue, donors are such an important part of this work as we can’t achieve any of the impact without their support. We’re so grateful to the Turnbull Family Foundation for stepping up, seeing the need, and trusting United Way with their gift.”
“It’s not often that you can contribute to solving a major social issue in your community and see it pay off in just a few short years. We believe ending youth homelessness in Ottawa is possible, and we know that by giving to United Way, our donation is going to go as far as it possibly can. We hope our action encourages anyone who can give, no matter the amount, to do so.”
This is a critical moment.
Youth homelessness has reached a crisis point in Ottawa and across our region. Each year, between 1,200 and 1,400 young people experience homelessness in Ottawa alone.
“Our community needs to support all our youth. What more valuable asset do we have? They are our future, and they all deserve protection to thrive, reaching their full potential where they will hold their place in society as future contributors, making our city better for all.”
School ends in June, meaning many built-in supports youth rely on disappear, especially for those who can’t access camps or structured summer programs.
“When young people are connected to school and after‑school programs, they are surrounded by caring adults—teachers, guidance counsellors, coaches, and program staff—who know them, notice when something isn’t right, and check in on how they’re feeling,” explains Trisha Islam, Director, All That Kids Can Be, United Way East Ontario. “Schools also give young people daily access to classmates and friends, creating a peer support network that builds connection, belonging and stability.”
Without this support, it can be harder for young people who may be struggling, especially if they’re experiencing challenges at home. Hidden homelessness is a real concern for these youths.
Homelessness is not a choice. Prevention is the solution.
Here’s what we know:
- Nearly half of people experiencing homelessness had their first experience before age 25.
- Once a young person loses their home, everything becomes harder: staying healthy, feeling secure, and imagining a future.
- It increases the risk of trauma, crime, poor health, and exploitation, including human trafficking.
- While many young people leave home because of difficult experiences, including conflict, neglect, abuse, or family breakdown, many stay in touch with family members, and most want to strengthen those relationships, even when it’s hard.
- Too often, young people are forced to make adult decisions about leaving home without legal status, resources, or skills like decision-making and planning needed to live independently.
Youth homelessness is both a systemic issue and deeply personal.
When we strengthen and restore relationships early, we can prevent young people from entering homelessness and reduce the chance they experience it again later in life.
Trisha adds that sometimes restoring existing relationships isn’t possible.
“In those cases, young people still need support when they do not have adults they trust in their lives. That’s why United Way also invests in life skills and wraparound support like managing money, finding housing, connecting with community, and staying in school, so youth build the relationships and skills they need to live well.”
Your donation helps us act early before a young person reaches a crisis point. By matching your gift 3X this June, we are tripling your impact and changing the trajectory of so many young lives.
When we work together, we can end youth homelessness.
