By: Melanie Redman

Hot on the heels of our International Conference on the Prevention of Youth Homelessness, we’re thrilled to announce the 5th annual Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards program, presented by Canada Life Assurance Co.

Co-led by A Way Home Canada and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, the MtS Awards have proven to be an invaluable platform for recognizing the innovative work being done to prevent youth homelessness across Canada. From celebrating impactful initiatives to uncovering groundbreaking practices, the MtS Awards program aims to uplift and inspire organizations dedicated to helping youth.

A Look Back at Previous Winners

At the core of the MtS Awards lies our definition of youth homelessness prevention, as organizations must demonstrate how their intervention was the key factor in preventing youth homelessness.

Over the past four years, we have proudly awarded eight youth homelessness prevention programs, along with six honourable mentions, totalling $85,000 in cash awards for their outstanding initiatives that are making significant strides in preventing youth homelessness.

2021:

  • BGC Okanagan – Upstream Kelowna (Kelowna, BC). Launched in 2021, this early intervention program uses a universal screening tool to identify at-risk school-aged youth before crises occur, providing support to both youth and their families to reduce the risk of homelessness. In 2024, the program expanded to a third school in Kelowna.
  • The York Region Youth Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stabilization Strategy (York Region, ON). A collaborative effort involving over 30 organizations and individuals, this strategy aims to prevent or shorten youth homelessness experiences in York Region by improving service alignment and implementing early intervention strategies.

2022:

  • StepStones for Youth – Safe at Home Program (Toronto, ON). This program reconnects youth from the child welfare system with supportive individuals from their past, providing long-term housing solutions and guidance. ​
  • Choices for Youth – Momma Moments Program (St. John’s, NL). This initiative supports young mothers experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing parenting support, housing assistance, and life skills development.
  • Honourary Mentions:
    • Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton: Bridging the Gap (Halton Region, ON)
    • Argus Residence for Young People: FirstConnect (Cambridge, ON)
    • CMHA Kelowna: Bright Mindz (Kelowna, BC)

2023:

  • Niginan Housing Ventures – Omamoo Wango Gamik Program (Edmonton, AB). This Indigenous-led program offers culturally appropriate housing and support services to Indigenous youth, emphasizing cultural reconnection and community integration. ​
  • Wyndham House – Concurrent Youth Hub Program (Guelph, ON). This program supports youth up to age 25 facing challenges such as substance use, mental health issues, legal difficulties, and housing instability by providing resources and support in one location with a strong focus on harm reduction. ​
  • Honourary Mentions:
    • YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited): Preventing Discharge to No Fixed Address for Youth (NFA-Y) program (London, ON)
    • CMHA Kelowna: Bright Mindz (Kelowna, BC)

2024:

  • Shawenim Abinoojii – Memengwaa Program (Winnipeg, MB). This First Nations-led program supports Indigenous youth transitioning to independence by offering services such as housing and employment support, including managing an 18-unit apartment complex with on-site assistance. ​
  • Kingston HomeBase – OneRoof Program (Kingston, ON). This initiative provides comprehensive services to at-risk and unhoused youth, including housing case management, transitional housing, mental health services, and life skills development, all in a single location.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the fifth year of the Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards program, we are excited to discover more initiatives that positively impact young people, their families, and their communities.

If your organization is actively working to prevent youth homelessness in Canada, we’d love for you to submit your program for consideration for this year’s awards!