ABOUT US
Y.E.S. provides emergency shelter to youth and families in crisis. We serve roughly 250 new clients every year, in addition to many who have stayed at the shelter before. In addition to emergency housing, we offer support to youth and families through:
- Longer term transitional housing at Abbott House
- Assistance adapting to independent living through the Transitional Life Skills program
- Alternative high school education at The Carriage House (in partnership with PCVS and the KPRDSB)
- Vocational, educational and recreation programs (in partnership with other community services)
- Assistance with housing and employment searches
- An emergency food cupboard
The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
History
WHERE WE CAME FROM
In the late 1990s, a group of front-line housing workers started to meet to share resources and information concerning their work; they called themselves the Inter-Agency Network (I.A.N.). Over time it became obvious that, as a group, they were seeing more and more homeless youth in need of housing.
After I.A.N. disbanded, a small, dedicated group continued to meet with the express purpose of addressing the youth homelessness problem and developing a shelter for homeless youth. Eventually this group re-named itself the Youth Emergency Shelter Committee.
MILESTONES
| 1999 | Y.E.S. Committee receives first organizational funding from the United Way, allowing the hiring of staff to research and develop a shelter proposal. |
| 2000 | Y.E.S. of Peterborough incorporates as a not-for-profit charitable organization. |
| 2000/01 | Operation of a ※temporary§ shelter (5 beds) with funds received from the Federal Government. This facility served 17 youth over 4 months. |
| 2001 | Property at 196 Brock Street purchased for renovations/construction of emergency shelter (funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). |
| 2002 | Experience Youth Employment Program employs more than 20 youth to assist with construction of the shelter building (funded by H.R.D.C.). |
| 2002 | December - Y.E.S. opens to homeless youth on Dec. 20, after 15 months of construction. Although some parts of the building are still under construction, the shelter has two clients almost immediately. By mid-February 2003, that number had grown to 20. |
| 2003 | Abbott House is purchased for use as a second stage transitional housing facility for youth (funded by C.M.H.C.). |
| 2003 | February - Y.E.S. official Open House is attended by more than 500 visitors. One of the residents cuts the ribbon with the Hon. Jane Stewart, Federal Minister responsible for H.R.D.C. |
| 2004 | Abbott House opens, following renovations to the building. |
| 2004 | September - Carriage House alternative classroom opens (in partnership with Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School and KPRDSB). |
| 2007 | Transitional Life Skills Program begins (with funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation). |
| 2007 | Emergency Food Cupboard begins operating (in cooperation with Kawartha Food Share). |
| 2007 | Y.E.S. officially begins offering shelter to families (although families had been welcomed since early 2006). |
This is what the building looked like circa 1900.
This is what we look like now.
The administration office is on the bottom floor, through the centre door. Shelter residents enter on the left side. What you can't see is the new 5,000 sq.ft. extension at the rear!
FAQ
GENERAL FAQ
- What does Y.E.S. do?
- Where is the shelter located?
- What are your hours?
- How many people use the shelter?
- Where do you get your funding?
- How can I donate to the shelter?
- Do you need donations of clothes or other items?
- Can I see inside the shelter?
- I have a daughter/son I can't handle; what can I do?
- I need to find emergency housing for a client; what should I do?
FAQ FOR INDIVIDUALS LOOKING FOR EMERGENCY HOUSING
- Do I need to make an appointment to get a bed at Y.E.S.?
- How long can I stay at Y.E.S.? Is it safe?
- Do I get a room to myself or must I share? Do I get food?
- Do I have to be out during the day?
- What do I have to do while a resident at Y.E.S.?
- Do I get any money when I'm in the shelter?
- Do I have to go to school?
- What if I work?
- What are my responsibilities as a parent at Y.E.S.?
What does Y.E.S. do?
Y.E.S. provides emergency housing, support and guidance, to any male or female, age 16-24. We also provide emergency housing for families (defined as any combination of people having a child with them, who can prove an established relationship), and offer guidance and assistance in the family's search for housing, employment, or acquiring social services benefits. For a detailed description of what we do, go to the PROGRAMS AND SERVICES page. If someone requests assistance and we cannot help, we will bust our behinds to point that person in the right direction.
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Where is the shelter located?
Y.E.S. is located at 196 Brock Street in downtown Peterborough. We are across the street from the Brock Street Price Chopper parking lot, and sandwiched between TVM Towers (15 stories of high-rise apartments!) and the Brock Street municipal parking lot. In the past our building has been a home, an orphanage, a school, a rooming house, and a podiatrist's office.
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What are your hours?
The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Administrative offices are generally open regular business hours; if you are planning to drop by, please call ahead.
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How many people use the shelter?
Since it opened in 2002, Y.E.S. has served more than 4100 clients. On average, 15 youth or family members stay at the shelter each night. In a year, we serve as many as 250 new clients, in addition to many who have used our services previously. Many previous clients drop by to use a phone, make a long-distance call to an agency, obtain copies of identification, ask advice, offer to volunteer, or simply to say hello and let us know how they are is doing.
Since we began serving families in 2006, we've had an average of 30 family groups use the shelter each year. The ratio of males to females using the shelter is approximately 60:40.
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Where do you get your funding?
Our primary source of funding is per diem payments from the City of Peterborough Social Services Department (Ontario Works). That is, we receive a set amount of money for each occupied bed each night. We also contract with outside agencies to provide beds for their clients in emergency situations. We receive modest funding from the United Way of Peterborough and District, and we pursue project funding through organizations such as The Ontario Trillium Foundation. We are on the Member Agency Advisory Group of Kawartha Foodshare, which provides us with staples to defray the cost of food and support our Food Cupboard. Community support is critical to our financial viability. Fundraisers such as the annual Youth for Youth Concert (organized by students from St. Peter's and Holy Cross Secondary Schools), and the In From the Cold Christmas concert (organized by John Hoffman) provide much needed funds to support our services. Other individuals, schools, businesses and community groups donate throughout the year.
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How can I donate to the shelter
Donations can be made online through Canada Helps or mailed or dropped off directly to the shelter. Y.E.S. is a aregistered charitable organization and can provide a tax receipt for your donation.
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Do you need donations of clothes or other items?
We greatly appreciate in-kind donations from the community 每 however, it's a good idea to call ahead before dropping off. In addition to seasonal clothing, Y.E.S. residents always require good cotton socks, underwear and t-shirts, and hoodies. Store cards (grocery, clothing, etc.) and pay-as-you-go phone cards are also helpful. For a detailed list of items we need, go to our WISH LIST page.
Y.E.S. has a limited amount of storage space, but we do make every effort to pass unused items on to others who need them.
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Can I see inside the shelter?
We frequently take interested individuals and groups through the shelter. Please call during business hours to arrange a tour.
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I have a daughter/son I can't handle; what can I do?
There are a number of community organizations that can provide help and advice 每 see our COMMUNITY RESOURCES. If your son or daughter is being physically abusive you should notify your police service immediately.
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I need to find emergency housing for a client; what should I do?
If your client is within our mandate (aged 16 每 24, or a family), you can call the shelter anytime at 705-748-3851. You can also search for other shelter resources at http://fourinfo.cioc.ca.
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FAQ for individuals looking for emergency housing
Do I need to make an appointment to get a bed at Y.E.S.?
No, you do not need an appointment. Y.E.S. is staffed 24 hours a day and any worker will assist you. Some times are busier than others in the shelter; if a shelter worker can't help you at that moment they will take your name, birth date, and a contact number (if you have one), and let you know the earliest possible time to return.
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How long can I stay at Y.E.S.?
Y.E.S. is not long-term housing. We work with residents to find appropriate housing that is clean, safe, and affordable. Generally, residents are expected to find their own housing within 6 weeks. However, we understand that the rental market in Peterborough can be difficult to break into, so longer stays can be negotiated. It can be very difficult to find housing if you are young, on low income, a single parent, and/or cannot get a co-signor or guarantor. Add to that the perceived stigma of coming from a shelter and the odds are definitely not stacked in your favour. We work with you to even out those odds!
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Is it safe?
Y.E.S. has staff members on duty 24-hours-a-day, with security cameras and protocols in place to manage resident activities and emergency situations.
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Do I get a room to myself or must I share?
Most rooms at Y.E.S. are shared rooms. A single room might be assigned to a client who has a job and must get up for work each day, or a pregnant female.
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Do I get food?
Breakfast is served up continental style, with bread, buns, juice, fruit, and cereals available for residents. A bag lunch is provided to all who sign up for one 每 a hot lunch is sometimes provided in season and dependent on availability of staff. Supper is served every night at 6pm. Y.E.S. follows the Canada Food Guide recommendations for healthy eating.
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Do I have to be out during the day?
All residents are expected to look for a more permanent place to live, go to school, attend agency appointments, and/or search for employment. If these tasks are being pursued you do not have to leave Y.E.S. during the day. However, case managers will hold you accountable. If it is clear that you are not following the rules, and not attending to your responsibilities, staff will require you to be out between 9am and 5pm.
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What do I have to do while a resident at Y.E.S.?
All residents must follow some basic rules and live up to certain expectations while at Y.E.S. These include being respectful to others, completing chores, keeping their room and bedspace clean, and looking for work and housing. If another agency has determined you have other responsibilities - for example, attending school or performing community service hours - then we can assist you with that.
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Do I get any money when I'm in the shelter?
You will not receive money while at Y.E.S. if you:
- Have received any form of social assistance (OW, ODSP) for the month in which you come to Y.E.S.;
- Are receiving employment benefits, or have regular income from another source (e.g. trust fund, inheritance, death benefit, etc.) ;
- Are working and receiving employment income.
Otherwise, residents at Y.E.S. receive a Personal Needs Allowance per day. This amount is dependent on appropriate behaviour and attendance to responsibilities.
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Do I have to go to school?
In Ontario all persons must attend school to the age of 18. We have assisted hundreds of young people to collect Ontario secondary school credits through the CARRIAGE HOUSE Alternative Education program.
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What if I work?
If you work it's important to make all your shifts. Shelter staff will negotiate new curfew times with you as long as you provide a schedule from your employer. The City of Peterborough will continue to pay for your bed (per diem) at Y.E.S., but you will have to save all your pay for rent, utilities, etc.
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What are my responsibilities as a parent at Y.E.S.?
Along with all the regular responsibilities, family clients jointly clean the shared bathroom and open areas in the family section where there are toys and books. Families at Y.E.S. must look after their children at all times, or arrange for appropriate care outside the shelter. Y.E.S. does not have staff available to do childcare. Children may not be left with other residents.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Youth Emergency Shelter of Peterborough is overseen by a volunteer board of directors. The Board meets monthly (except in July and August). The Annual General Meeting is usually held in mid-July, and is open to the public.
Standing sub-committees, including Finance, Human Resources, Fundraising, and Communications, meet on an ad hoc basis. If you would like to find out more about joining the Y.E.S. Board or one of its committees, please contact Gerry Duguid at g_mduguid@sympatico.ca, or call the shelter.
2010/2011 Board Members
- Jean Greig 每 Chair
- Duane Potter 每 Treasurer
- Stephanie Turck 每 Secretary
- Gerry Duguid 每 HR Chair
- Mary Overholt 每 Fundraising Chair
- Michael Walker 每 Communications Chair
- Don Bocking
- Breymann Cameron
- Brian Landry
- Kim Randell
- Allan Wood
FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS
Y.E.S. receives financial and in-kind support from a number of sources including agencies, organizations and individual residents of Petergorough and area, just like you. We'd like to extand sincere thanks to all our supporters - big or small. Your donation makes a difference. We'd also like to acknowledge the very important support of the following funding partners:
- City of Peterborough
- United Way
- Ontario Trillium Foundation
- Kawartha Food Share
- In From the Cold Christmas Concert
- St. Peter's Secondary School
- Holy Cross Secondary School
- The Navy Club of Peterborough (regular food donations)
- Quid Novis Internet Productions (Kawartha Now)
YES - 196 Brock St., Peterborough, ON K9H 2P4 - ph 705-748-3851 fx 705-748-6697 general@yesshelter.ca