A Way Home

08/27/2026

The U.K. just pledged to end homelessness. We know how to do the same here in Canada.

In this new op-ed published in Policy Options, Stephen Gaetz and Melanie Redman explore how the evidence, approaches, and tools needed to end youth homelessness in Canada are already in place. Now we just need the investment and commitment to scale these solutions and end homelessness for good.

Read the full article here:

Preventing youth homelessness costs less than emergency shelters. Canada should fund proven programs permanently and improve national data.

08/27/2026

The U.K. just pledged to end homelessness. We know how to do the same here in Canada.

In this new op-ed published in Policy Options, Stephen Gaetz and Melanie Redman explore how the evidence, approaches, and tools needed to end youth homelessness in Canada are already in place. Now we just need the investment and commitment to scale these solutions and end homelessness for good.

Read the full article here: policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/08/youth-homelessness-prevention-2/

08/24/2026

What happens when family and natural supports are built into every step of a young person’s journey?

At Sunrise House in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Family and Natural Supports (FNS) is embedded across the entire continuum of care, helping young people stay connected to the people who matter most.

Swipe through for key takeaways and a look at what the FNS approach looks like in practice.

Read the full blog here: https://shorturl.at/J0dx4

08/17/2026

What happens when youth employment support services are paired with the Family and Natural Supports Philosophy?

With support from Employment and Social Development Canada, the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, A Way Home Canada, and Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna came together to connect the Family and Natural Supports (FNS) philosophy with Foundry Works employment services.

The result? READY — a six-week cohort where FNS staff and employment specialists work alongside young people, helping them build the skills, confidence, and support they need to navigate work, school, and life.

It’s a great example of what’s possible when services work together, relationships are at the centre, and young people are supported by a team that believes in them.

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/PMAuQ

08/12/2026

Our young people are our future. They’re also key to ending homelessness.

We know that housing insecurity can start early. That’s why early intervention and prevention are critical.

This , it’s time to take action and make sure every young person has a place to call home.

Learn more at awayhome.ca

08/10/2026

Young people with lived experience of homelessness are more than service users – they're experts and leaders.

This blog, written by lived expertise expert Naomi, explores how meaningful opportunities for leadership, paid participation, and youth voice can strengthen programs, support healing, and improve efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness.

Read the full blog here: https://shorturl.at/Vl1LB

08/07/2026

What are 10 things Canada can learn from Ireland and Northern Ireland about preventing youth homelessness?

Recently, we co-led an immersive study tour of Dublin and Belfast in partnership with Nick Falvo Consulting, Focus Ireland, and Simon Community Northern Ireland.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the tour, captured by Nick Falvo:
nickfalvo.ca/youth-homelessness-prevention-in-dublin-and-belfast/

08/04/2026

A Way Home Canada was pleased to help interpret findings and shape recommendations for this new report from PolicyWise for Children & Families and UBC Okanagan.

Building on PolicyWise's Data Infrastructure Roadmap for Preventing Youth Homelessness, funded through Making the Shift, the report shows that youth homelessness is closely associated with experiences across systems, including child welfare, family income assistance, incomplete high school education, and complex mental health and substance-use needs.

The findings highlight the need for earlier, coordinated support through approaches such as Housing First for Youth and Upstream Canada.

Read the report here: https://shorturl.at/l0N35

07/28/2026

Ottawa has committed to ending youth homelessness by 2030—but turning that promise into lasting change will take more than a pledge.

This article from the Ottawa Citizen sheds light on the many ways young people can experience homelessness, often hidden from view. It also highlights how prevention and shelter diversion can help ensure youth get the support they need before a housing crisis begins.

Read the article here: https://shorturl.at/cYIaJ

07/10/2026

Ending youth homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone’s head—it’s about ensuring young people have the wraparound supports and opportunities they need to truly build a sense of home.

This Making the Shift research summary followed youth in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax over four years to better understand their journeys through that critical first year of housing.

The findings highlight an important truth: creating long-term housing stability for youth requires more than housing alone. It takes coordinated supports, strong relationships, and sustained investments in young people’s success.

Watch the full video summary and read the research here: https://shorturl.at/Dm3iT

This research was funded by Making the Shift through the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada Program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.