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 and struggling every day.

(Source: Raising A Roof Website)

DONATE NOW TO OUR 2024 CAMPAIGN

Did you know that 20% of Canada’s homeless population is between the ages of 13 & 24

In fact, during 2022, over 25% of those identified in our community as experiencing homelessness were between the ages of 16-24. This is greater than the national average. YWCA Youth Housing and Services directly support youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with a tailored approach designed for teens transitioning to adulthood.

%

of youth in Canada experience homelessness

Housing is simply not affordable

In 2022, the average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas was $1,042. (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 $556. (Source: Income Security Advocacy Centre)

Average one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas

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 9 residences (Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, our transitional family home and Second Story our Men’s Residence),

How to Donate

Send an E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please include your full name, address and phone number within the notes of your transfer which will be used for your charitable tax receipt if $20 or more is donated. Sponsorship not eligible for tax receipts.)

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

By mailing a cheque payable to ‘YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’ 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3

Online (up to $999) through our secure online donation system

DONATE NOW TO OUR 2024 CAMPAIGN

Thank you to our generous community. With your contribution we raised $58,975 during our 2023 Campaign.

Platinum ($5,000+)

Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd

Cooperators_2021
Masco Canada

Duggie & Ted Gill

Doug Tarry Homes

Green Lane Community Trust Fund

myFM 94.1 St.Thomas logo

Gold ($3,000 – 4,999)

Hayhoe Homes
St.Thomas Legion Branch 41

Silver ($2,000 – 2,999)

Hometown St.Thomas
Elgin Carpet One Floor and Home
Talbot Trail Optimists

Talbot Trail Optimists Club

Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)

Don & Hazel Williams Charitable Foundation

Oegema Turkey Farm

Donors

$3,000 +

$1,000 – $2,999

Anonymous Donor
Elgin Contracting and Restoration
Kelley Armstrong
Sarah Teare

$500 – $999

Anne Kenny
Belmont Swans Club
Cam’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
Community Engagement Fund c/o University Women’s Club St.Thomas
Don West Custom Homes
Faith Church St.Thomas
Judy & Robert Upsdell
Sharon Battley
Southwestern Tax Service

$250 – $499

Cathy & Greg Grondin
Optimist Club of St.Thomas
Sandi Pyper
Shawn Jackson Funeral Home
Sine Herold
Van Pelt’s Print Plus

$100 – $249

Barb Campbell
Deborah McCausland
June Chaput
Monica Smith
St. James Presbyterian Women’s Group

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.

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