Mental health centre for Windsor, Ont., youth closes 'indefinitely'

A centre for Windsor, Ont., young people struggling with their mental health will close "indefinitely" because of financial strains and safety concerns, according to the charity that was running it. 

Noah's House Mental Health Foundation opened the facility on Pillette Road in August 2020. The free space was open to people aged 11 to 25, where they could connect and socialize. 

Noah's House was started by the friends and family of Noah Butcher-Hagell, who died by suicide in 2017. The charity was formed later that year. 

In a Friday Facebook post, CEO Laura Starling said they faced "numerous challenges in maintaining operations and have done so without any form of compensation. 

"After careful consideration, we have decided to reallocate our resources toward enhancing the counselling aspect of Noah's House. Given the current economic challenges and a significant decrease in support, we can no longer justify maintaining our previous location," Starling said. 

In the post, Starling said their landlord was asking for a two-year lease at $3,000 per month, with additional operating costs. 

She mentioned there were also "increasing safety concerns" at the site, which added to their decision to close. 

Instead, Starling said Noah's House will offer "services without requiring referrals and will continue offering them free of charge to those who qualify." 

The charity said it will soon announce a temporary counselling location. 

CBC News has reached out for an interview.