Youth at Risk
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.
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.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is a toll-free, 24-hour phone counselling, web counselling and referral service for young people. Whether by phone (24/7) or online chat (Wednesday – Sunday from 3pm-11pm) you can connect whenever and however you want. It’s safe, private and non-judgmental.
Youth in BC
Prefer to chat online? Youth in BC is an online resource where youth who need assistance can get help by having a real-time online chat (every day noon – 1am) with a trained volunteer. You can also get email support from the Crisis Center’s professional staff by emailing – youthinbc@crisiscentre.bc.ca.
YouthSpace
Prefer to chat online or by text? Youthspace.ca provides emotional support and crisis intervention service for young people under 30. Youthspace.ca is made up of a community of volunteers who are here to support you – whatever you are going through.
Chat and text are available from 6:00 pm to midnight every day.
The Mental Health Support
The Mental Health Support and Information Line (310-6789 – no area code needed) provides 24/7 support if you are worried, feeling upset, or just want to talk with someone.
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
Speakers Bureau
