Like homes, youth need strong foundations.
Homelessness is a complex issue, so we surround youth with holistic support to help them change their story and discover new possibilities.
A housing-first, community-driven model to keep youth off the streets and foster their transition to independent living.
Our methodology and programs support the 10-year strategic plan set forth by the Peel Region to address homelessness and affordable housing.
Our Model
Shelter
HOUSING IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY.
Shelter is a fundamental human right, so we work on the premise that youth are in better positions to move forward with their lives, when they have stable housing. This means working quickly to secure safe, affordable and sustainable housing, with ongoing support to maintain their tenancies, as the first step in our holistic approach.
Focus Areas:
Transitional Housing
Applicant Assistance
Eviction Prevention
Landlord Training & Support
Flagship Program 1: The Bridge of Hope
The first program of its kind in Peel Region, Bridge of Hope is an evidenced-based program that offers an alternative to shelters, by matching youth tenants with host families in the community. After being matched and moved in, REST leads regular follow-ups to support youth and host families with ongoing support and to ensure positive outcomes.
Flagship Program 2: FIRM The FIRM Program (Family Intervention and Reunification Management) is a culturally sensitive initiative aimed at preventing youth homelessness within the Black African and Caribbean communities by strengthening family relationships and resolving conflicts. FIRM provides preventive counseling, reunification services, and conflict resolution workshops, all tailored to the unique needs of these communities. Through proactive interventions, the program works to address underlying family issues, promote family reunification, and create stable home environments that support the well-being of youth. By empowering families with practical skills, FIRM helps to foster long-term stability and prevent homelessness before it begins.
“REST Centres’ Bridge of Hope program is a great alternative to emergency shelters. When I refer a young person to REST, I have the utmost confidence that they will receive unwavering support and leave better off than when they came in.”
— YMCA of Greater Toronto
Living
INCOME, FOOD AND BASIC NECESSITIES.
From housing, we subsidize and help youth secure essential sources of income, food, personal care and household items.
Focus Areas:
Rent Subsidy
Food Subsidy
Household Starter Packs
Flagship Program: Bare Necessities
Homelessness is bigger than housing. Our ability to meet basic needs like food, personal hygiene and household furnishings are essential to creating a sense of stability in our lives. Of course, the same is true for youth experiencing homelessness. Bare Necessities is our response to extend support into these areas and to address the rising needs in our region. Through subsidies, gift cards and household starter packs, we empower youth to maintain a standard of living with a sense of safety and dignity as they work towards their independence.
“At times, I don’t know when or how I will eat. With the help of REST Centrs, a lot of that stress has been taken off my back. Having their grocery cards delivered each week lets me know someone cares about me, a team is cheering for me and loves me.”
—Parris, 23
Healing
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS.
Due to a lack of accessible resources and health care, especially for BIPOC and LGTBQ+ youth, our programs offer support to help heal the trauma that many homeless youths have experienced in their lives.
Focus Areas:
Physical Health
Mental Health
Emotional Health
Flagship Program 1: HERO
To address the lack of mental health services for racialized and homeless youth in Peel, we created HERO (Healing Emotional Recovery and Opportunity). The program aims to reduce stigma and improve youth mental health through group therapy and professional counselling. At its core, we help youth address the factors that may or have led to homelessness and the impact of personal experiences, in order to empower them to shift their mindset, stories and future outlook.
Flagship Program 2: RISE ABOVE
The RISE Above Program, initiated by REST Centres, is a dynamic and inclusive initiative designed to promote physical wellness alongside socio-emotional development. Through regular engagement in sports and physical activities, this program fosters leadership skills, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits, all of which contribute to holistic well-being.
Growing
CULTIVATING ESTEEM, ABILITY AND SELF-BELIEF.
Education is a foundation of our approach. Through tailored learning and development opportunities, youth build confidence, career and life skills that support their transition to independent living and beyond.
Focus Areas:
Tenant Education & Support
Financial Literacy
Home Economics
Employment Support
Mentorship
Work Placements
Flagship Program 1: LIFEE
The LIFEE Program (Learning Initiatives Fostering Economic Empowerment) is an innovative initiative designed to equip youth with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship. This program provides comprehensive training focused on helping young individuals access job opportunities, develop entrepreneurial ventures, and build the professional competencies required for long-term success in today’s competitive economy.
At the core of LIFEE is a commitment to economic empowerment through a targeted curriculum that includes:
Employment Support and Training:
Entrepreneurship Training(coming soon)
Mentorship and Work Placements
Flagship Program 2: FAST
The Fostering Abilities and Skills for Tomorrow (FAST) program is a forward-thinking initiative designed to empower youth with the critical life skills necessary for achieving sustained independent living. FAST offers a comprehensive curriculum, including Tenant Literacy Training to help participants understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants, Home Economics to teach essential household management skills, Financial Literacy for mastering budgeting and financial planning, and Digital Literacy to equip youth with the tools to navigate the digital world. By providing practical knowledge and real-world competencies, FAST prepares young people to thrive in today’s society with confidence and self-sufficiency.
