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In many areas of the country, says Tanya Hutchens , youth who are not living with their families but are too old to be wards of the Crown, are at risk of homelessness because of lack of life skills or access to support and training to develop these skills.
While many larger urban centres have resources including shelters and agencies to tackle this problem, many small towns and rural areas struggle to meet this challenge, which can often lead to the drift of homeless youth to urban areas.
The Affordable Housing Solution
Miramichi Youth House is a community- based charitable organization that serves at-risk youth by providing long-term housing and support. The agency operates a building that used to be a bar with some attached apartments. It has now been converted to house five youth at a time on a permanent basis with two additional short-term emergency spaces, along with kitchen space, communal living areas, counselling rooms and space for other services.
The building is owned by New Brunswick Housing, which holds the mortgage. Miramichi Youth makes no payments on the mortgage, which will be written off over time providing the organization abides by its mission and purpose. No other agency or organization on the Miramichi or in Northern New Brunswick serves the 16-19 age groups, male and female. Consequently, the agency is not duplicating the services of any other organization.
Participating youth are required either to go to school or be employed. They must also participate in the daily life of the group, through such things as doing chores. Miramichi Youth House has one full-time staff person and six part-time employees. Staff provide a supportive role to meet the needs of the youth who live at Miramichi Youth House. Staff for example, ensures residents attend school and have food and clothing, and provides employment counseling. While residents receive social assistance, they are not required to pay for their accommodation.
The government of New Brunswick provides some funding through the Department of Family and Community Services. The organization’s board of directors is responsible for raising the remainder of the necessary operating budget. The group has secured the support of local churches and businesses, as well as the municipal government. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
