Youth homelessness is a problem many local agencies are working to solve. The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington United Way and numerous community partners are hoping to address the unique needs of rural youth with a youth hub.
The official opening in Napanee is just days away.
Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of the local United Way, says such a facility is the way to go when it comes to youth.
“They are our future,” she said. “What we need to do is make sure we support them in the transition so as they grow into adults, they know the value of their contributions to our community.
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The newest place to help with their transition is the Lennox and Addington Youth Hub, located in the Memorial Building just off Dundas Street in Napanee. Varma says the free drop-in centre has relaxation space, a kitchen and meeting rooms, plus a number of agencies under the same roof.
“I think we’re all learning from youth, who are so wise, that it’s important that the services come to them because rather than them having to go to 10 different places, we can do it collectively and we can do it much better and we can identify needs that the youth know they can get help.”
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Varma says the hub is near and dear to the United Way board because it’s about prevention and helping youth. Some of the agencies scheduled to set up shop at the hub include public health, addiction and mental health services, and both area school boards.
The Lennox and Addington Youth Hub is set to open on April 1.