Setting the stage for a brighter future.
A supportive transitional housing program for youth aged 16-24 who are homeless, at risk of being homeless, or unable to live at home, and who need some assistance as they move toward independence.
The Second Stage Housing Program for Youth (SSHP) provides safe, supportive housing and life skills programs for youth who are currently involved in a full-time schedule of school, employment, training, counselling, and/or volunteering.
With the support of a Second Stage Housing Case Manager, youth will develop an Individual Goal Plan which identifies strengths, challenges, and ways to achieve success. The plan is reviewed regularly to celebrate progress and to address any barriers on the way to achieve successful independent living.
While part of the SSHP, youth participate in regular group and individual life skills workshops. The workshops are intended to be interesting, fun and informative. Sessions are delivered mostly in a group format to provide the opportunity to socialize and promote a mutually supportive and respectful living environment for residents.
Youth in the program must be able to pay the program fee and cover the cost of personal needs such as groceries, transportation, bedding, and toiletries. Program fees are set at the maximum shelter allowance rate for social assistance recipients to ensure the program remains affordable.
Participating youth must:
- Be between the ages of 16Y-24Y.
- Be homeless or at risk of homelessness and no longer able to live at home.
- Be engaged in a full time Day Program which can include: school, work, treatment, volunteering, or other programs; or a combination of agreed upon programs.
- Be willing to accept and follow residency guidelines, including participation in mandatory programming: case management and attending weekly life skills and chosen Day Program.
- Be motivated to work with a Second Stage Housing Case Manager on an Individual Goal Plan.
- Have demonstrated respect for self, others, property and personal living space.
- Have demonstrated a level of semi-independence and stability to take care of own basic needs, and complete day-to-day program expectations.
- Be able to pay the program fee (maximum social assistance-shelter allowance rate) and cover the cost of personal needs.
- A private, secure room furnished with a bed, closet, table/chair, and a fridge
- A telephone line with voicemail and free Wi-Fi
- Shared full kitchen and shared bathrooms
- 24 hour/7 days a week support
- Access to Y health and fitness programs and services including:
- Group fitness classes, weights, and cardio equipment
- Indoor swimming pool and sauna
- Gymnasium
- Assistance connecting to appropriate community resources
- Access to job search assistance and access to computers
- Access to information and services for immigrants
- Support in many languages through staff and cultural interpreters
- Referrals to community resources
- Access to 24 hour/7 days a week crisis counselling
We accept self-referrals, referrals from family members, friends, academic, medical or social supports, and community support workers.
- Complete the Second Stage Housing Program for Youth Application Form (PDF) and submit it to the Second Stage Housing Program, which may be done in person, by fax, via mail, or by email.
- If eligible, an assessment interview is arranged. The youth will have the opportunity to obtain more information about the program.
- Once references have been contacted, the youth will be informed of the decision regarding their entry into the program. As space is limited, there may be a need for the youth to remain on a waiting list.
Second Stage Housing Program Gallery
Contact us
Second Stage Housing Program for Youth
Shenkman Residence, Taggart Family Y
180 Argyle Avenue, Main Floor
Ottawa, ON K2P 1B7
Email: ssh@ymcaottawa.ca
Phone: 613-237-1320 ext. 5029
Fax: 613-788-5095
Funded in partnership with:
