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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, December 26, 2009 · 12 Host Homes keeps youths warm this winter By Christina Commisso METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Most Halton residents don't see the region's hidden homeless -- those living under bridges, sleeping in tents or outside their schools. But with one 25-bed shelter serving a region of close to 500,000 people, there aren't many places for the homeless to go where they'll be visible. "We help about three youths a week who are looking for shelter, said Melissa Erskine, who works on a three-person team dedicated to finding emergency housing for Halton's homeless youths. Bridging the Gap is an independent community program, run under the Halton Children's Aid Society, that helps youths between the ages of 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Caseworker Kamila Misztal says she is often forced to bring Halton's homeless youths to emergency shelters in Hamilton, Peel Region or Toronto. "How are they supposed to make it to school on time if they have to take buses from Mississauga?" she asked. To help bring stability into their lives, Bridging the Gap has launched a new initiative called Host Homes. Host Homes reaches out to homeowners to provide safe, temporary housing for homeless youths until a more permanent placement is found. Homeowners are asked to provide a bed, access to a shower and laundry facilities and one warm meal a day, and in exchange they will be reimbursed $35 a day for the cost of food, water and heating. "It's important for these youths to stay in their own communities, where they might have school or a job, or they might have a support network of friends," said Erskine, who explained they hope to find at least one host home in Burlington, Oakville, Georgetown and Milton. "With winter coming, it is very important to find this temporary emergency housing...Homeless youth 16-24 years old are a highly neglected demographic, but they are not immune to the cold Canadian winters," said Misztal. The homeowners and youths will be pre-screened and matched based on compatibility and a house rules will be established, including curfews. "We screen the youths and make sure they are stable and not suffering from any addictions," said Misztal. Homeowners are also screened. Host providers are assigned a youth outreach worker and matches can be tested out for a week or so, before signing a contract. Youths can stay at the host home for two days up to four months, while looking for more permanent housing. "These young people are navigating through an adult system," said Erskine, pointing to the Ontario Works, finding long term housing, looking for jobs and reconciling with family. "They're constantly in crisis and can't do any of that. It's hard to meet these expectations if you don't know where you're sleeping tonight." Misztal hopes the initiative will encourage residents to get involved and help youths get back on their feet. As Host Home supervisor Don Neill points out, "People don't think straight when they're cold and wet." For information, contact 905-6350665 or kamila@bridgingthegaphalton.ca. The Regional Opening soon: Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE Bronte Road (Regional Road 25) Widening 2 to 4 Lanes from Queen Elizabeth Way to South of Upper Middle Road (Regional Road 38), Town of Oakville PR-2048D New housing community for 60+ seniors at a great location in Burlington Date: Thursday, January 7, 2010 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Place: Halton Region (Glenorchy/Dakota Room, Level 3) 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville cklund, Region of Halton You may be eligible for an affordable housing unit at this brand new housing community in Burlington. Move in as early as March 2010 To apply: www.halton.ca/scs/housing/below-market.htm 251209