NEWS RELEASE
BLUE DOOR
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Blue Door is excited to announce the launch of the new INNclusion 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Supportive Housing Program, the first of its kind in York Region. This program will provide safe, stable housing for four youth who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ group, who are at risk of and/or experiencing homelessness in York Region for up to one year while they work with a peer mentor to set and achieve their goals surrounding education, health, housing, and employment.
This program was created to respond to a gap in services identified by the following studies. The Seneca Study (Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region – 2018), found that “safety is a primary service concern for LGBTTGNCQ+ youth in York Region who must access social services related to housing and homelessness.”
In addition, Alex Abramovich’s CAMH study (Understanding LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness in York Region – 2020) found that “77 per cent of youth surveyed have been verbally insulated or abused.” The recommendation of this study was to integrate “population based transitional/supportive housing for LGBTQ youth.”
Eligibility criteria
Youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (aged 16-26) facing barriers to housing that require the support and safety that Emergency Housing may not be able to adequately provide. These may include, but are not limited to:
• Financial hardship
• Combination of complex issues
• Employment related barriers to housing
• Family breakdown
• Combination of complex issues including mental illness
The program promotes independent living and participants must contribute part of their monthly income towards program occupancy. Participants will be living independently in the community in a shared space.
To receive an application form, or find out how to apply for the program yourself, how to refer a youth, or inquire about the program please reach out to us via email [email protected]
The application and registration process are now open, and we are actively accepting applications. If you or someone you know meets the requirements, please send the completed application form to [email protected]
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