REST Centres: Reflecting on 2023 and Forging Ahead into 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year that has seen both challenges and triumphs, REST Centres is excited to reflect on the core messages we've shared with our community. The 12 newsletters throughout the year have not just chronicled our efforts but highlighted the resilience, creativity, and strength of the youth we serve. 

A Look Back at 2023 Core Messages: 

Our newsletters throughout 2023 communicated REST Centres dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. From the inspiring story of Shannia Lewis, a thriving artist who found solace and support through REST Centres after aging out of foster care, to the empowering "My Story, My Power" program instilling confidence and self-motivation through storytelling, we demonstrated our holistic support and impact of your resource contributions.  

REST Centres further shed light on pressing issues, such as the affordable housing crisis affecting BIPOC youth, mental health stigma, and the critical intersection of housing and well-being. REST Centres' advocacy, collaborative partnerships, and community-driven initiatives, like the Thanksgiving celebration and Christmas Cheer Campaign, helped to create joyful moments for our youth. 

Forging Ahead into 2024: 

Navigating Change with Resilience 

REST Centres, like other non-profit organizations, is challenged with repositioning in response to the seemingly persistent economic challenges that have impacted the housing sector. While measures are being taken at all levels of government to address housing affordability, limited resource allocation may challenge the pace of transformation. Thus, the human impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran and Ukraine War as well as the lingering economic crisis may continue to affect prioritizing resources to address youth homelessness. Our youth, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, will therefore not dissolve into thin air but will continue to face the impact of the socio-economic challenges prevailing in the country if proven interventions and supports are not sustained.  

Expanding Our Reach 

In a humorous twist, Ms. Dagma Koyi announces to us, "We've decided to take our mission on a significant roadmap." REST Centres is exploring the establishment of an office in Mississauga and eyeing an outlook into Hamilton in 2024. Our goal is to expand geographical access to services, reaching more youth in need.  

Strengthening Capacity for Black Youth 

In 2024, REST Centres is prepared to intensify efforts to meet the unique needs of black youth at risk and experiencing homelessness. Our focus includes strengthening human resource capacity to respond to the increasing demand for services. We will also continue to utilize the culturally sensitive manual for landlords and tenants, based on the unique capacity needs for housing for the BIPOC population. A special recognition goes to the Community Housing and Transformation Centre (CHTC) for funding the Bridge of Hope Capacity Building Manual for landlords and clients. 

Leveraging Technology for Data and Analysis 

To enhance service delivery, REST Centres will harness technology, particularly Salesforce, for efficient data capturing, reporting, and analysis. This strategic move will enable us to optimize our interventions and allocate resources effectively. 

Collaborating with the Community 

In 2024, REST will continue to collaborate with local agencies to advocate for equitable fund distribution, especially for BIPOC youth, aligning with Peel's $16.8 million budget for housing subsidies and $83.4 million for capital projects. Following our 2023 delegation to the Peel Regional Municipality, REST reinforces its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity, contributing to strengthened regional programming. Our 2024 advocacy emphasizes enhancing investments in housing subsidy and wrap-around supports, ensuring the Peel region's allocation of $5.4 million in this area for 500–700 more households extend and prioritizes support to Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) organizations like REST. 

In conclusion, Ms. Dagma Koyi (Executive Director/Founder) emphasizes REST's 2024 expansion in programming, geographical coverage, and resource mobilization to eliminate Black youth homelessness. She urges stakeholders, individuals, and organizations to rally behind REST Centres' charitable cause.