Findings from the 2016 Point-in-Time Count indicate that youth experience hidden homelessness more than any other population. Youth experience homelessness for a variety of reasons. Traumatic experiences, family violence, poverty and disconnection from schools, communities and social service support are just some of the reasons youth are in crisis and at risk. Early identification made by a caring adult can connect children and youth with necessary services before a crisis sets in. The Youth Homelessness Checklist reference card and companion document are tools to assist you to make this early identification.
Below is a list of Youth Services in the Greater Victoria area:
Drop-In Spaces
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Alliance Club (Victoria Youth Empowerment Society)
533 Yates St.
Ages 13 to 19. Drop in Monday to Thursday from 12:30pm-7:30pm and Friday from 12:30pm-2:30pm, or call 250-361-3923 or email allianceclub@vyes.ca for more information.
The Alliance Club is a drop-in centre for youth 13 to 19 years old. It provides a safe, healthy alternative for youth to ‘hanging out’ in the downtown core and a connecting point for street entrenched youth who may wish to explore a more positive lifestyle. Services include an evening meal program (Mon-Thur 5-6 pm), shower and laundry facilities, hygiene products, clothing, computer and TV access, WiFi and drop-in counselling.
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Sanctuary Youth Center Drop-in
767 Humboldt St.
Ages 14 to 22. Drop in from 2:30pm-8:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.Come in during our regular drop-in hours for a hot meal, laundry, clothing and self-care supplies, showers, fresh and non-perishable food, or just to hang out. We are pet friendly! We have free wifi, a pool table, ping-pong, art and drawing supplies, guitars and drums, and so much more. This is a safe space run by staff and volunteers who care about and value you. You are welcome here! Drug-Free Environment.
Employment
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JETS (Jumpstart Employment, Training & Skills)
Beacon Community Services
Ages 15 to 30. For more information, email JETS@beaconcs.ca or phone 778-265-2585JETS (Jumpstart Employment, Training & Skills) is a paid, 7-week pre-employment program for people ages 15 to 30. Participants are paid a living allowance based on minimum wage during the 7 week classroom component. They will also be assisted with obtaining employment in an area of their choosing (with ongoing support), and can access on-the-job support on as-needed basis.The program is a blend of in-person and online coursework; it includes workshops, certificates, an active job search component, and eligibility for 8 weeks of wage subsidy. Participants even have the chance to develop their skills in a food security initiative which benefits people in need in our community. -
SWEET (Skills Building Work Experience Employment Training)
Beacon Community Services
Must be under 30, Canadian citizen or permanent resident and entitled to work in Canada. For more information, contact 250-656-0134 or email SWEET@beaconcs.caSWEET is a paid, 8-week work experience program for people under the age of 30. Participants with post-secondary education are matched with employers in their field of interest: you will be paid while gaining valuable experience and connections in your chosen industry. -
YEP (Youth Employment Program)
Beacon Community Services
Ages 14 to 18, must be enrolled in Saanich School District 63. Application form available at https://beaconcs.ca/services-programs/employment-services-training-supports/yep/-Choose your level of participation-Attend interesting training, workshops and courses to prepare for a successful career future-Get certificates for First Aid, Food Safe and other skills that employers look for-Get help with your resume, cover letter, and interview skills-Make money and/or earn graduation credits for volunteer experience-You’ll get weekly emails about upcoming certificate courses and community volunteer opportunities — and lots of support! -
JHS Group Employment Programs
John Howard Society
Ages 16 to 30; must be not currently working or in full-time school, a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident and legally entitled to work in Canada, and having a hard time finding/maintain employment. Call (250) 415-3062 or go to jhsvic.ca for more informationParticipants in JHS’s group employment programs are given support and mentorship for sustainable, long-term employment. Participants complete employment skills training and are supported to find further work, with some programs including paid employment opportunities. Please see the JHS employment website for more information.
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JHS 1 on 1 Employment Services
John Howard Society
Ages 16 to 30; must be not currently working or in full-time school, a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident and legally entitled to work in Canada, and having a hard time finding/maintain employment. Call (250) 415-3062 or go to jhsvic.ca for more informationIndividual ongoing employment support services, such as resume, job search, interview prep. Self driven and flexible, access to employment and industry training.
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WorkBC Centres
1483 Douglas St. (Victoria) & 3962 Borden St. (Saanich)
Ages 16 years and up. BC Resident, need a Social Insurance Number, and looking for employment; click for more eligibility. Monday, Tuesday, & Friday – 8:30 am till 4:30 pm. Wednesday 8:30 am till 6 pm. Thursday 8:30 am till 3 pm.Employment Services for Life! Case-Managed Services and Self-Serve Services.
Healthcare
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First Nations Doctor of the Day
First Nations Health Authority
First Nations (status/non-status) of all ages. Telephone and virtual services, seven days per week from 8:30am-4:30pm. Call: 1 (855) 344-3800.First Nations Doctor of the Day Enables First Nations people in BC with limited or no access to their own doctors to make virtual appointments. The intent of the program is to enable more First Nations people and their family members to access primary health care closer to home.
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Foundry (Victoria Youth Clinic)
818 Douglas St.
Ages 12 to 24. No CareCard needed. Monday-Thursday 11:00-5:00, Friday 11:00-4:00. Call (250) 383-3552 starting at 9:30am for day of service availability.Primary care, sexual health, mental health and substance use, counseling support, social supports, peer support and family support.
Housing Support
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Homelessness Prevention Program
Beacon Community Services
For information about how we can help, please contact Chris Young, Manager of Youth Shelter and Homelessness Programs; 250-514-9624; jmortimer@beaconcs.caBeacon Community Services’ Outreach Services staff work to connect individuals and families with stable accommodation and appropriate services. We focus on those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, assessing their needs and assisting them to meet their personal goals. Our HPP mandate is to provide these services to at-risk youth and people leaving corrections facilities.
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Turning Point
BGCSVI
Ages 13 to 19. Youth can self-refer; call Lirone at (250) 216-3657 for more information.Turning Point is a short-term residential program for youth experiencing personal safety issues. The duration of the program is typically 4-6 months. Youth work one-on-one with a Youth & Family Counsellor to set goals, connect them to resources, and develop a transition plan, of returning to the family home or accessing a Youth Agreement. Youth are required to have a day plan for Turning Point, such as going to school and/or working.
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YP3 (Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program)
BGCSVI
Ages 13 to 24, pregnant or in early months of parenting. Youth can self-refer; email yp3@bgcsvi.org for more information.The Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (YP3) helps young women (aged 13-24 years) who are pregnant or in the early months of parenting. The program helps them to improve their chances to have healthy pregnancies, develop safe, positive parenting skills and increase coping and decision-making skills. The program specifically supports vulnerable youth who are at risk of becoming homeless and who may have substance use issues. By placing them in a stable Care Family suite for up to 1 year, they are supported as they learn independent living, parenting and life skills.
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RentSmart Courses
RentSmart, province-wide
Courses may be taken either at your own pace (log in and start the course at https://ecommerce-rentsmart.talentlms.com/catalog) or with a facilitator (see upcoming courses at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/rentsmart-certificate-for-bc-tenants-152399).RentSmart Certificate courses are designed to provide renters with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to successfully find and maintain rental housing. The curriculum includes tenancy rights and responsibilities, effective communication, budgeting skills and how to look after your home. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate that may be helpful in finding rental housing.
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Threshold Housing
Ages 16 to 22. Call 250-383-8830 or visit www.thresholdhousing.ca
Mental Health
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FNHA Child and Youth Mental Health
First Nations Health Authority
First Nations children and youth (status/non-status) ages 6 to 27. 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, connect with Mental Health & Wellness Team Lead (Lindsay Trowell, Lindsay.Trowell@fnha.ca or (250) 217-4536).1:1 and group supports, program development, community projects, and regional initiatives. Covers Southern Vancouver Island, including First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations between Campbell River and Greater Victoria.
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Early Psychosis Intervention
Island Health
Ages 13 to 35, experiencing first episode of psychosis. Self-referral or referral at 250-889-4284.Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) services focus on early recognition and intervention for young people who appear to be experiencing a decline in function related to early psychosis.
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YT5 (Youth Tier 5 Mobile Intensive Case Management)
Island Health
Ages 13 to 18. Youth who are engaged in high levels of substance use with significant risk of negative health outcomes, with concurrent mental health concerns, leading to an inability to consistently perform the range of daily activities required for basic independence, family, school, work and community functioning. Self-referral or referral at 250-519-5271YT5 (Youth Tier 5) provides integrated service to youth primarily 13-18 years of age who have multiple and complex needs related to persistent and significant substance use and mental health challenges. The YT5 Team utilizes a wraparound team case management approach to provide personalized care unique to each youth. The goals of the team are to improve health, social functioning, and access to care by offering a predominately intensive outreach approach. The YT5 Team is staffed by a team that includes specialists in substance use, mental health, nursing, social work, family counselling, psychiatry and peer support.
Shelter
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Out of the Rain Youth Shelter
1450 Elford St.
Youth 15-25. Oct 15 to Apr 15. 8:30 pm-7:30 am. Arrive in person at 8:30pm or call (250) 415-3856At the shelter, youth can connect with Beacon’s friendly, caring, non-judgmental staff for support and information about various community resources. Hygiene supplies, warm socks, and other necessities are often available. And youth enjoy a hot meal prepared by kind, caring volunteers and delivered to the shelter site. Pets allowed.
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Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter
2117 Vancouver St.
Ages 13 to 18; youth 16 and under require verbal consent from a legal guardian. Referrals are accepted directly from youth, families, MCFD, and/or other community service providers. For more information contact KEYS Direct Line 250-386-8282 (answered 24 hours a day); Cell Phone: 250-217-1471; Email: keys@vyes.ca.A 10-bed home environment that provides emergency housing for youth (ages 13-18) of all genders who are homeless and/or have no safe housing alternatives.-Individual assessment and planning-Access to basic needs services (including meals, showers, clothing, hygiene products)-Connections/referrals to community supports-Assistance with job searches, resume building and skills for independence-Assistance with housing searches and community housing referrals-Individual support/counselling
Substance Use
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Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services
Island Health
For youth aged 13 to 19 who have concerns about alcohol or drug use; Families/Caregivers who are concerned about a youth using alcohol or drugs; Any support person who is worried about a youth’s use of alcohol or drugs; Youth who are affected by someone else’s use of alcohol or drugs. For self-referral or referral click hereDiscovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services offers free community-based counselling services, access to residential care and treatment for youth struggling with substance use. We assist youth and/or their families to reduce the harms associated with substance use and related issues. Discovery’s services are available to anyone in the community directly or indirectly impacted by substance use. -
Umbrella Family Counselling
Umbrella Society
Umbrella’s family counselling is available by donation, with no family member ever turned away for lack of funds. For more information call 250-380-0595, 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.We help family members understand what addiction means, provide coping mechanisms to deal with its consequences, and help bridge the healing process. We introduce healthy skills to cope with emotions and offer a safe and guided environment where family members can be heard and supported. We encourage family members to be supportive and helpful – without allowing past behaviours to resurface. Unfortunately, not all outcomes are positive, and our counsellor can be a support to family members who have lost their loved ones as a result of addiction. -
Specialized Youth Detox
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society
Ages 13 to 18. Self-referral or referral at 250-383-3514, or email syd@vyes.ca.Specialized Youth Detox (SYD) is a 5 bed voluntary non-medical withdrawal management program for all youth who want support with detoxification from alcohol and other drugs. The program offers short term residential service for youth ages 13-18. Referrals are accepted from anyone in the community, including youth themselves. The program offers youth the ability to stay up to 10 days (with the possibility of an extension) to detox and stabilize both physically and emotionally.
Support
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24/7 CRISIS LINE
1-888-494-3888
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Youth and Family Counselling
Beacon Community Services
For more information, please contact Central Intake at 250-655-5305.We offer counselling, mediation and, when appropriate, respite care to help youth and their families cope with a variety of issues, including those related to behavior or parenting.
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Burnside Gorge Youth Outreach
Burnside Gorge Community Association
Under 19. Youth from the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood, or youth connected to Burnside programs or services. Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 6:00pm.Youth outreach workers aim to form positive, healthy, trusting and proactive relationships with youth and build collaborative working relationships with other key community partners.
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Burnside Gorge Youth Self Sufficiency Program
Burnside Gorge Community Association
Under 19. In foster care, on youth agreement, or living independently. Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 6:00pm.The Youth Self-Sufficiency Program can help you with: Learning how to budget and manage money; Learning how to set education goals; Learning about renter’s rights and responsibilities; Opportunities for job training; Relationship building; Life skills.
Created by the Youth At-Risk Sub-group of the Coalition’s Prevention Working Group and working from the recommendations in A Plan to Prevent Homelessness this reference card and companion document were created to assist teachers, counselors, and other youth service workers in the identification of youth who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and to help to connect them with the appropriate services. For more information or to request reference cards for your office/teachers: admin@victoriahomelessness.ca.
Youth-Led Projects
Can’t find what you’re looking for? List of additional community resources and contacts:
If you urgently require assistance, please call Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 for people in emotional crisis, including suicideand mental health issues.Youth may access youthspace.ca for online emotional support for youth under 25 years.
In Crisis?:
If you require urgent emotional support, including having thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues, please call Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.
Youth (under 25 years of age) may access youthspace.ca for online emotional support.
For other resources, including shelter availability, visit bc211.ca
