Keep a Roof Over Their Heads

Homelessness DOES exist in St. Thomas & Elgin County

Many people picture the homeless as those living on the streets, in parks, in doorways and in other public places. But the “hidden homeless” – an estimated 80% of those without a place to call home – are much less visible.

(Source: Raising A Roof Website)

One-fifth of Canada’s homeless population is between the ages of 13 & 24

In Canada young people aged 13-24 make up about 20% of those experiencing homelessness, according to Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. In April 2018, the City of St. Thomas as the local provincially appointed Service Manager facilitated its first Homelessness Enumeration Project to gain a better understanding of the scope and depth of homelessness locally. During the 2018 Enumeration, 26 unaccompanied youth between the ages of 16 and 24 were identified as experiencing homelessness. Youth represented 20% of the population experiencing homelessness in the area, matching the national average (Stephen Gaetz, Erin Dej, Tim Richter, & Melanie Redman (2016): The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press).

of youth in Canada experience homelessness

Help ‘Keep a Roof’ over the heads of at-risk women, men & youth in our community.

Housing is simply not affordable

In 2020, the average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas was $725. (CMHC-SCHL Primary Rental Market Statistics) The current maximum shelter allowance for an Ontario Works (social assistance) recipient is $390. For someone receiving ODSP, the maximum is $497. (Source: Income Security Advocacy Centre)

Average one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas

You can become a sponsor

If you are a business owner or individual we invite you to show your support through our various sponsorship levels. Click here to view our Sponsorship Opportunities. If you have any questions please complete the form below.

Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing program

Our housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women, men and youth. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.

Our Supportive Housing program includes our 6 residences (Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, YWCA Women’s Residence and Second Story our Men’s Residence),

Donate today!

By phone (519) 631-9800 or toll-free at 1-800-461-0954

By mail or in person 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3

Online today through our secure online donation system

Send an eTransfer to finance@ywcaste.ca

Learn more about eTransfer

Thank you to our generous community for Keeping A Roof Over Their Heads.

With your contribution we raised $61,508 during our 2020 Campaign.

You have helped provide housing and supports for people in our community – a clean, safe and supportive place where they can begin the journey to wellness. Having safe and affordable housing is the first step to pursuing employment, education, goal setting and a healthy lifestyle.

Platinum Sponsors ($5,000 +)

Duggie & Ted Gill

Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd

Gold Sponsors ($3,000)

Green Lane Community Trust Fund

Silver Sponsors ($2,000)

Bronze Sponsors ($1,000)

Don and Hazel Charitable Foundation

Fellowship Christian Reform Church

Liz & David Currie, In memory of John Lounsbury

Sheddon Oddfellows #310

Southwestern Tax Services

The Aylmer Express

The Forever Legacy Foundation, Port Stanley

Donors ($1-249)

Barbara Campbell
Central United Church
Chris Gordon
Johnathan Hill, Desjardins Insurance & Financial Services
Marilynn Andrews
Nancy Stratford
Sarah Lounsbury & Derek Weaver
Shirley Broadbent

Through our 2019 campaign our community raised $ 47,170

Click here to view our 2019 donors

Lisa’s journey

A reflection of the Housing Supports offered through the YWCA. Struggling with generational poverty, abuse and addictions, at age 48 Lisa was referred to the YWCA St. Thomas Elgin by her continuing education teacher. Lisa was trying to make changes in an environment...

Amy’s journey

Amy now holds her head up high; with a radiant smile and looks forward to the future.

Courtney’s journey

Home is not a place… it’s a feeling

Natalie’s journey

The YWCA gave me the opportunity to start over and choose a better life.

Questions?

For more information about our Keep A Roof Campaign, please complete the form below and our Keep A Roof Coordinator, Sarah Lounsbury, will be in contact with you.

Please note inquiries will be reviewed within 2-3 business days.

Donate today

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