New youth homelessness program starting next month in Northumberland
A homeless person sleeps. Photo By Fredrick Lee. Free Use Domain-Upsplash.
By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative
A new youth homelessness program is being launched in Northumberland County.
“Nightstop”, which is set to begin in May aims to place youth aged 16-24 in vetted homes in the community, either for a single night or an extended stay.
A host home is generally a volunteer community member, who has undergone extensive training, ensuring youth accessing the home are provided safe and supportive housing.
Rebound Child and Youth Services is offering the program. Executive Director Sam Rockbrune told a Northumberland County Social Services Committee meeting Wednesday that “Nightstop” is designed to provide temporary housing.
“Nightstop is an alternative housing solution for youth experiencing homelessness, by enlisting community members to volunteer their homes as temporary shelter for youth in need. Currently Northumberland County does not have a youth shelter, which makes Nightstop the first resource for youth in crisis in the community. It is essential for addressing this critical gap for youth homelessness,” said Rockbrune.
The program was founded in the United Kingdom in 1987, eventually taking roots in Canada in 2018.
As part of the process, Rebound will conduct risk-assessments on the youth, including two reference checks. The host home will offer a private room to sleep, an evening and breakfast meal and a to-go lunch. Shower and laundry facilities are also accessible.
“Nightstop” staff will ensure a smooth transfer for the youth at night and be available for the duration of the stay. Youth must abstain from substance use and follow host rules. Rockbrune says finding stable housing for youth is the ultimate goal.
“Nightstop is really a way to fill a gap, that way youth are not sleeping rough on the streets or not sleeping somewhere unsafe. In terms of some alternative options, it is case-by-case, but quite often it is family reunification or natural support,” explained Rockbrune.
Youth can access “Nightstop” for up to six weeks.
