EVA'S INITIATIVES FOR HOMELESS YOUTH
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Mission Statement
Inspiring and valuing youth leadership, we centre the needs of Black youth at all the intersections of their identities to cultivate a community that creates anti-racist and social justice solutions to youth homelessness.
About This Cause
We are putting the infrastructure in place to serve some of the most vulnerable in society: Black youth experiencing homelessness with all their intersecting identities. In doing so, we can ensure our programs and services will be beneficial to all who need them, regardless of race or background. Eva’s consists of four sites located across Toronto. Every day, we support over 200 youth aged 16 – 24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide shelter, transitional housing, and health and well-being programming. Our staff help young people in need reach their potential and lead fulfilling, healthy lives. • Eva's Place and Eva's Satellite Hotel program provides emergency shelter. • Eva's Phoenix provides transitional housing and support. • Eva's YOUth Belong provides community-based housing for Black youth. Most of these youth have experienced family breakdown, a disconnect from culture and community, violence, and/or other harms. They face barriers to accessing medical care, mental health supports and other support systems due to racism, discrimination, and oppression. For youth experiencing homelessness, the journey from chaos and crisis to stability often starts at one of Eva’s emergency shelter sites. At both Eva’s Place and Eva’s Satellite Hotel, youth receive immediate support day and night from our expert staff. Our emergency-based shelter programs offer a safe and reliable environment for youth in need. We meet the youth’s urgent food and shelter needs while also helping them stabilize through a focus on their health and well-being. Once youth have stabilized, they can begin to think about their next steps like finding housing and employment. Our goal at Eva's is to bridge the gaps and address the barriers young people face. We offer hands-on support and build partnerships in the community that support young people long-term. Building strong, positive relationships with youth is crucial, especially for those struggling to trust or connect with adults. Our youth workers provide one-on-one support, helping young people cope with their experiences and challenges. Youth are also paired with a harm reduction worker if they identify with having substance use issues. We understand that for some of these youth, life-saving support is critical. Staff meet young people where they are and implement safety plans to reduce harm (i.e., sex trafficking, gender-based violence, self-harm, and substance abuse). Youth also engage in wrap-around supports that build a positive identity and community relationships. We host workshops on healthy relationship development, anti-oppression, mindfulness, and healthy sexuality and organize recreation activities like yoga, fitness, and healthy eating.