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Seeds of Hope in Bloom: The Refuge

For young people experiencing homelessness, having a safe and affordable place to live can change everything.

Across Canada, rising housing costs continue to place extreme pressure on young people. For youth already facing barriers such as poverty, family breakdown, mental health struggles, or unstable employment, finding safe and affordable housing can feel impossible. Many young people experiencing homelessness move between shelters, temporary accommodations, couch surfing, or unsafe outdoor spaces while trying to build stability in their lives.

In Oshawa, ON, The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre has transformed a vacant building into 26 affordable apartments for youth. The self-contained units include private kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces designed to provide young people with a safe place to begin again.

This work was supported by a $15,000 Seeds of Hope grant from the C. Jean Moore Endowment Fund and the Amelia Toeper Elliot Memorial Fund.

Youth began moving into the apartments in the spring of 2025. Residents were selected from a regional housing list of young people experiencing homelessness and searching for safe, affordable housing. As the apartments gradually filled throughout the year, staff quickly saw the impact stable housing was having on these young people’s futures.

What comes next?

One resident found employment as an HVAC technician only weeks after moving in. Another youth, after years in shelter systems, found enough stability to return to school and pursue training in the trades as a plumber.

By October 2025, most of the units were occupied. Organizers acknowledged that not every placement was the right fit for the program, but staff worked carefully to ensure those individuals were connected with alternative housing and supports better suited to their needs.

A place to begin again

One story in particular stood out to staff.

As the cold weather arrived and snow began to fall, one apartment remained available. Staff knew a young man (called “Jeff” to protect his privacy) was still without stable housing. Although delays within the regional housing system meant his placement had not yet officially come through, staff recognized the urgency and invited him to move in immediately.

That evening, Jeff asked if there might be bedding available for his new apartment. Staff found a complete set and took it to him.

Before they left, he shared what the moment meant to him.

“This morning I woke up under a tarp with snow on my head. Tonight I get to sleep on a bed in my own place. I didn’t think this was possible.”

The next day, he appeared transformed. He was hopeful, refreshed, and was already talking about finishing school and training for a career in the trades.

“Jeff was clean shaven – as if he had removed a mask and was ready to move forward in his life.”

Stability and hope

Organizers say the project continues to demonstrate how deeply housing stability impacts every part of a young person’s life. Once basic needs are met, many youth begin to think about education, employment, relationships, and long-term goals in ways that felt impossible before.

Through Seeds of Hope grants, young people are finding more than shelter. They are finding dignity, safety, and the opportunity to not only dream of a better future, but to start planning and taking action.

Make a gift today to help create safe spaces, supportive housing, and new opportunities for young people dreaming of a different future.