YMCA Sprott House announces LGBTQ2SA youth housing services
With the application process now underway, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is pleased to announce that YMCA Sprott House – Walmer Road Centre is welcoming residents for the LGBTQ2SA youth transitional housing program as of February 1, 2016!
On January 14, 2016 Diane Sinhuber, Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto was joined by Mayor John Tory, Councillor Joe Cressy, Dr. Alex Abramovich, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and David Harrison, Chair of the Annex Residents' Association, during the announcement at YMCA Sprott House.
The YMCA Sprott House dedicated program is the first of two to launch in Toronto this year. In March 2015, Toronto City Council approved funding the YMCA to provide a 25 bed transitional house for LGBTQ2SA youth. This program is one of only a handful and the largest of its kind across Canada.
Programming
Kate Miller, Louise Smith and Dr. Alex Abramovich
During their stay, youth 16 to 24 years of age will have access to a Case Manager, an Outreach Counsellor and other experienced youth workers who will help them develop personal goals as they prepare for independent living. Kate Miller, Director of YMCA Sprott House, looks forward to providing a home that celebrates LGBTQ2SA identities where residents can gain an improved sense of self.
“Providing not just a place to stay, but one that is safe and affirming, is something LGBTQ2S youth have been advocating for a long time,” explains Kate. “We are very excited to be able to provide this service.”
LGBTQ2SA youth face many barriers – they experience transphobia and homophobia within housing programs, and experience homelessness at higher rates than other youth.
“Focused responses, including specialized housing programs, like YMCA’s Sprott House, are absolutely critical to meet this population’s needs,” says Dr. Abramovich. “Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.”
The YMCA hopes to help LGBTQ2SA youth achieve their full potential by supporting them as they make a significant transition in their lives.
To Apply
Interested youth will need to fill out an application form asking for basic information on their individual situations. The application form can be found at ymcagta.org/sprott and will be accepted until January 20, 2016 via sprott@ymcagta.org.
