A local non-profit has officially opened a new supportive transitional housing program for youth and young single mothers in Surrey.<\/p>\n
The program, which is called \u201cSafe Harbour,\u201d has three homes operated by DIVERSEcity in partnership with SideBySide Children\u2019s Village Society. It\u2019s designed to be a safe place to land for people aged 16 to 30 who are escaping violence, who are facing homelessness, aging out of foster care or navigating \u201ccomplex life circumstances.\u201d The program prioritizes support for Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, who often encounter disproportionate barriers to housing and stability.<\/p>\n
Two homes are for youth, and one is for young moms, each of which can accommodate people. Each resident has a private room but shares the common spaces. In the young moms\u2019 home, the design is very intentional. For example, in the kitchen, there is a large playpen in the corner where they can place their children safely while they prepare food.<\/p>\n
In all the homes, the residents choose the furniture for their rooms, so the rooms are furnished to suit their needs. The youth are allowed to take the furniture and certain things from the common area when they leave.<\/p>\n
The homes back onto a very spacious private green space, with more than 1.4 acres featuring a playground, a basketball court, gardens, hammocks, and trails.<\/p>\n
The residents also have access to mental health support, individualized case management, pathways to employment and education, and life-skills development.<\/p>\n
One 17-year-old, who recently moved into one of the homes and wished to remain anonymous, said having stable housing and a supportive community has provided him with much-needed stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past few months, I faced a lot of uncertainty and I didn\u2019t know what my future would look like, and there were days I didn\u2019t know where I would sleep,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201dBeing supported by DIVERSEcity\u2019s Safe Harbour program is more than just housing; it\u2019s a community of people who believe in me and my aspirations. They listened keenly to my plans for the future and they took me seriously. I\u2019ve been treated with dignity and respect. For other youth in a similar position, I just want to be an example of the impact this program can have, especially for young people. I want to show what is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was recently accepted to a university in New York and plans to study astrophysics in hopes of becoming an astronaut.<\/p>\n
Neelam Sahota, chief executive director of DIVERSEcity, said, \u201cFor a long time now in our work supporting equity-deserving populations, we have recognized the importance that safe, stable housing has on individuals, their mental health and well-being, as well as their sense of belonging and ability to find their purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
In partnering with SideBySide, the homes provide a \u201cholistic response to youth homelessness and violence prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sheena Ram, executive village director of SideBySide, said \u201cOur work is rooted in something very simple, yet profoundly important, ensuring that vulnerable young people have a safe place to call home and a genuine opportunity to move forward in their lives. Behind every door we open is a young person carrying more than most of us can imagine \u2014 loss, instability, uncertainty and challenges that no one should have to face alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The launch of Safe Harbour was catered by Kwantlen Pizza & Sweets (15122 72 Ave.) in the green space behind the homes on Wednesday, June 24.<\/p>\n
Funding for Safe Harbour was provided through the Reaching Home Program, Canada\u2019s Homelessness Strategy, administered locally by Lu\u2019ma Native BCH Housing Society, the Greater Vancouver Reaching Home Designated Community Entity, in partnership with Vancity Community Foundation.<\/p>\n
Lenya Wilks, director for community inclusion, health and equity at DIVERSEcity, added: \u201cSafe Harbour demonstrates what is possible when community organizations, funders and government partners come together with a shared purpose and innovative solutions for complex social issues. Together, we are building more than housing; we are creating a safe harbour where young people can heal, belong and build hopeful futures.\u201d<\/p>\n
SidebySide owns and operates several other homes on the property.<\/p>\n
About the Author: Anna Burns<\/a><\/p>\n I cover breaking news, health care, court, Vancouver Rise FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader.\u00a0anna.burns@surreynowleader.com<\/a>\u00a0Follow Anna on Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n