Last month, we gathered in Toronto for a transformative conference focused on preventing youth homelessness, and we must say, it was truly inspiring. From the beginning, there was an undeniable sense of hope and positivity in the air. Over 600 participants from around the world, including practitioners, advocates, lived experts, researchers, and policymakers, came together to share insights, experiences, and ideas on how we can better address this pressing issue that impacts so many young people and their families across Canada and internationally.
One of the most impactful aspects of the conference was the chance to engage in meaningful discussions and share insights about effective strategies, new approaches and innovative program models for preventing youth homelessness. It became clear that while the challenges we face are substantial, so too are the opportunities for change. The collective energy throughout the three days was palpable, leaving many of us feeling more united and motivated to take action.
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember the momentum we’ve built. We’ve not only gained new knowledge, but also forged valuable connections with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to making a difference. The question now is: what should we do with this momentum?
Carry the learnings forward into our work
Five years ago, it seemed unlikely that a conference focused solely on prevention could take place. Fast forward to today, and the 600+ attendees did not need convincing of the necessity and effectiveness of prevention as a key response to homelessness. The energy in the room throughout the conference indicated that people were ready for change.
As we return to our respective communities and countries, we collectively hold power to mobilize the knowledge we’ve gained. Whether it’s building collaborations with local organizations, advocating for policy changes, implementing preventive interventions, or simply sharing what we’ve learned with others, every action counts. The emphasis on prevention is crucial, and we must work tirelessly to promote it in our conversations with our partners and within our networks.
Urge governments to prioritize youth homelessness prevention
The role of government cannot be overstated. While we have seen a positive shift in Canada and the United States regarding the need for prevention, we must continue to advocate for policymakers to prioritize youth homelessness prevention, ensuring that strategies, funding and support align with our goals. The political environment may be tumultuous, but together, we can push for the change necessary to improve young people’s lives.
We can do things differently, and we need to do things differently
As a community, let’s harness the energy and passion from the conference and channel it into tangible actions. Let’s engage in discussions about what we’ve learned and explore creative ways to implement these ideas. It is our responsibility to ensure that the insights, connections, and enthusiasm we cultivated during this conference translate into real-world impact.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the conference, and to the Elders, LivEx committee, staff, partners and sponsors who helped make it all possible. Your commitment, creativity, and determination reinforce our belief that we can truly make a difference in the lives of young people facing homelessness. The prevention of youth homelessness can no longer be considered an afterthought – we now understand we can and must do this. As we embark on the next steps of this journey, let’s stay connected and continue to make the shift toward youth homelessness prevention together.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll share the recordings of the plenary sessions, along with video interviews featuring some of our insightful speakers. We’ll also publish blog posts by presenters to help you revisit the key points of their discussions at your convenience.
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