A program that supports over 350 Metro Vancouver youth per year might have to close shop on April 1.
The New Westminster Youth Hub received funding through Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Program, with the goal of diverting youth away from gang involvement.
But this funding runs out at the end of the month. Eric Osmond, the youth program director, says they have been in conversations with municipal, provincial and federal governments to try and get more funding, but without luck.
“And nothing has ever been confirmed. Everything has been up in the air,” he said. “If we’re not able to receive more funding, it would be extremely unfortunate for the young people of the community.”
In the meantime, they’ve launched a GoFundMe page, with the hope of raising $12,000 to keep their operations afloat for a couple of more months until they get funding solidified with the government. Osmond says they’ve also reached out to local businesses to ask for help.
He said it would be a lean operation, covering staffing, food, and a little bit of program supplies.
“It’s not a lot, but it’s just to give us a little bit of extra time until maybe something more substantial can be confirmed … it’s better than nothing.”
What’s at stake?
The Youth Hub is a drop-in space for people aged 12 to 24. It’s low barrier (no referrals needed), and all someone needs to do is come in, complete an emergency contact form, and respect the space.
Osmond said it’s become a “second home” to a lot of young people, with many coming in on a daily or weekly basis.
Not only does it serve youth in New Westminster, but also people from Surrey, the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Burnaby, and even the Fraser Valley.
Once there, youth get support in a plethora of ways, Osmond explained, including employment, education, housing, counselling, and life skills.
“We’re hoping by having this program, we’re able to support young people in a variety of different ways and get them back on track and access the support that they need. Many of them have never accessed support before,” he said.
Osmond says they’ve helped homeless youth find housing, people in poverty find jobs, and helped people involved in gangs find stability, among other success stories.
For example, if a young person experiencing homelessness drops into the Youth Hub, staff will first provide them with food and snacks to build rapport and understand their situation. They’ll then provide them with additional housing options, including ones for low-income residents.
If someone came in looking for work, staff could help with resumes, interview prep, volunteer hours, skills and certificates, and provide professional clothing.
What’s next?
With the funding set to expire in less than a week, Osmond isn’t hopeful that they’ll get the answers they’re looking for —“Unless some miracle happens in the last week.”
Currently, they’re working on connecting their youth with other resources, though he added that it’s hard for youth to have to move to another agency and reconnect from scratch.
Daily Hive reached out to Public Safety Canada and will update the story once they respond.