Catch us before we fall is the result of TYC's commitment to engaging street-involved youth in their own advocacy. Beginning in May 2004 with a two part forum on shelter and housing issues, TYC set a precedent for inclusive decision-making that stresses the importance of gathering input from under-represented youth communities. Young people are committed, energetic and capable of creating long-term effective solutions to address the multiple issues of homelessness and at-risk youth. Divided into two parts, this TYC Report on Youth Homelessness is a collection of ideas about how to build on homeless and at-risk young people's capacity to be more independent and motivated in their lives. Part I contains the TYC's Priority Recommendations for Toronto City Council to consider in their 2004-2005 policy and budget debates around housing and homelessness. Part II reflects the various ideas of at-risk and street-involved youth with experience using Toronto's shelters and street-level programs and services. Young people focused their ideas on strategies to help youth transition off the streets, gain access to safe and affordable housing, obtain a living wage, and benefit from a range of effective supports to meet the mental health and addiction needs. (abstract from the document)
Report