As winter approaches, the temperature drop will make us reach for our winter gear. However, many do not have the luxury of owning suitable outerwear that will help them beat the cold.
Street-involved individuals are particularly vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather as they are exposed to cold and wet conditions for extended periods of time with inadequate clothing. They risk developing windburn, frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot. Heart and respiratory conditions, reaction time, memory and energy levels are adversely affected after extended exposure to cold temperatures. Youth on the streets are susceptible to these risks to their health and well-being that can get in the way of them seeking out shelter and the support they need.
Staying healthy can be as simple as wearing extra layers and covering up exposed skin. Vanauley Street YMCA is holding a winter clothing drive to equip youth with appropriate clothing that will keep them dry and warm. Vanauley Y is a shelter with drop-in services and support programs that help youth aged 16-24 get back on their feet. In Toronto, 2 out 5 people experiencing homelessness fall into this age group, and the majority have no support system. At Vanauley, they have access to employment programs, counselling, healthcare, legal advice and housing support.
The centre serves approximately 200 youth every month and expects even more for extreme weather drop-ins. Last year, Vanauley St. handed out more than 250 winter items to street-involved youth. Together we can surpass this number! As you stock your closet with your winter clothes, remember that any gently-used coat, socks, boots or winter accessories you no longer need can help someone stay safe this season.
You can drop off items at 7 Vanauley St. until December 18. If you have any questions please contact Vanauley St. YMCA at (416) 504-9700 or visit our Facebook page.
In 2013, the City of Toronto estimated that 39% of the homeless population had spent at least one night outdoors in the preceding 6 months. About 2,000 youth are homeless on any night and the number of those sleeping rough will be on the rise this winter.
Street-involved individuals are particularly vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather as they are exposed to cold and wet conditions for extended periods of time with inadequate clothing. They risk developing windburn, frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot. Heart and respiratory conditions, reaction time, memory and energy levels are adversely affected after extended exposure to cold temperatures. Youth on the streets are susceptible to these risks to their health and well-being that can get in the way of them seeking out shelter and the support they need.
Staying healthy can be as simple as wearing extra layers and covering up exposed skin. Vanauley Street YMCA is holding a winter clothing drive to equip youth with appropriate clothing that will keep them dry and warm. Vanauley Y is a shelter with drop-in services and support programs that help youth aged 16-24 get back on their feet. In Toronto, 2 out 5 people experiencing homelessness fall into this age group, and the majority have no support system. At Vanauley, they have access to employment programs, counselling, healthcare, legal advice and housing support.
Spread the warmth this holiday season
The centre serves approximately 200 youth every month and expects even more for extreme weather drop-ins. Last year, Vanauley St. handed out more than 250 winter items to street-involved youth. Together we can surpass this number! As you stock your closet with your winter clothes, remember that any gently-used coat, socks, boots or winter accessories you no longer need can help someone stay safe this season.
You can drop off items at 7 Vanauley St. until December 18. If you have any questions please contact Vanauley St. YMCA at (416) 504-9700 or visit our Facebook page.
