OneRoof set to open 44 new spaces for homeless youth in Kitchener

OneRoof Youth Services will open 44 new spaces for youth experiencing homelessness at its supportive housing complex on Sheldon Avenue in Kitchener later this spring.

Sandy Dietrich-Bell, CEO of OneRoof, says the build is a positive investment in the lives of young people who will now be off the street.

"We don't want the youth that are homeless today to become the adults that are homeless tomorrow," Dietrich-Bell said during a press conference on Friday announcing provincial funding for the project.

"The one thing when it comes to homelessness around the youth, is that they're somewhat invisible," Dietrich-Bell said. "And for many, many years, it felt like they didn't have a voice and it felt like lots of money was going to adult issues."

The Ontario government announced $3.5 million for OneRoof's new modular housing complex. Youth who use the complex will also have access to counselling, employment services, educational opportunities and life skills training.

Friday's announcement of new funding adds to a previous announcement of $3.5 million for the project. The full $7 million investment comes from the Ontario government's social services fund.

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris made the announcement saying the housing will provide "a safe and stable place" for young people experiencing homelessness.

Construction on the Sheldon Avenue location is expected to be finished this spring.

"If you look at the region's prioritization list, we could in effect say that we have eradicated youth homelessness in Waterloo region with this build, between the units and the shelter beds that we have available," Dietrich-Bell said.

"I know the youth are super pumped. I'm super excited. You know, this has been a vision of mine for many, many years and so I'm so excited to see it coming together."