Co-designed by youth with lived experience in the child welfare system, Free 2 Be (Housing First for Youth Leaving Care) is an intensive casework and outreach program. Our team supports healthy transitions to adulthood, working with young people to strengthen community ties, facilitate access to community resources and establish short and long-term goals.
We offer dedicated support to identify, secure and sustain affordable housing, as well as support to access housing and transportation subsidies. We also assist in identifying resources for financial literacy training, skill building workshops, employment opportunities and support with ongoing education goals. Clients participate for an average of one year to improve financial and housing stability, supported by mental health services and tools for self-advocacy such as tenant and employment rights training.
Driven by community-based research, this program model was co-created by youth. Young people continue to provide valuable feedback to improve our offerings.
