A new youth and family emergency shelter is open at the Downtown Mission campus on Ouellette Avenue.
Supported by the Barry and Stephanie Zekelman Foundation, the 4-bed dormitory is the only shelter specifically for those aged 16-22.
Barry Zekelman says this is directly in the area they want to assist: "our foundation centres around youth causes and families. You can see that by what we do in the community so this was another extension of that and you know we felt there was a great need in the community and we wanted to become part of it"
Zekelman says their help for this shelter sends another message, to inspire others in the community to give back.
Stephanie Zekelman says youth need this kind of support: "can you imagine being on the streets without that foundation and that's something that the Downtown Mission is giving back to these children and with programs to keep them in school, help them with resumes whatever their needs are"
Zekelman says it has the advantage of being able to keep families together if that's needed.
He says it's unfortunate the shelter has been full since it opened in early April.
Two of the 4 beds at the youth emergency shelter at the Downtown Mission (by AM800's Peter Langille)
The youth shelter is on the 4th floor of the building at 875 Ouellette Avenue.
There are 70 other emergency shelter beds on the 4th floor.