Oxford County and OCCHC launch transitional housing project for youth

New transitional housing unit offers on-site support services to help move youth from homelessness into permanent housing

Oxford County and Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) are partnering on a housing project that helps move youth from homelessness to stable housing through “wrap-around” services that address the root causes of homelessness.

The new transitional housing unit, which provides accommodations for four youth aged 16 to 17 years of age, will offer on-site professional support that helps youth living at the home search for permanent housing, understand income supports, learn life skills, seek education or training, secure transportation and more.

Offering affordable temporary accommodation for up to 364 days, transitional housing supports the move from homelessness to permanent stable housing by helping people address the issues that may have led to homelessness, such as mental health, addictions, trauma history, food insecurity, family and social challenges, interactions with the legal system, lack of technology, and low income.

The services offered at the transitional housing unit are in addition to others provided by the Oxford County Community Health Centre, such as primary healthcare, group programs, social work, dietitian consulting, sexual assault therapy and more.

Oxford County is providing the housing unit for the program while Oxford County Community Health Centre provides professional staff support through Ontario’s Homelessness Prevention Program.

For more information on Oxford County’s transitional housing programs, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/housing.

Images

Photo 1 - Living room
Photo 2 - Kitchen 
Photo 3 - Dining room

Comment

“Not all youth receive the same level of support in nurturing their interests or in acquiring the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Youth transitional housing aims to bridge this gap by offering wraparound support to those who might not find it elsewhere. It is designed to uplift youth by providing a better environment where they can develop their skills and interests and learn how to create the future they desire.”  

   Caitlin Clause, Youth Outreach & Support Coordinator, Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC)

“The Youth Transitional Housing program represents an exciting milestone for the Oxford community, with a shift to filling a significant gap for young individuals facing challenges that seem insurmountable at that age: where am I going to sleep tonight? will anyone listen to me? trust me? what does my journey look like? By creating a sense of home and belonging, the possibilities for that individual can be unlimited.”

    Randy Peltz, Executive Director, Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) 

“Transitional housing is a key area of focus for Oxford County’s homelessness prevention strategy because it addresses the challenges that can keep people unhoused. This project is one step towards addressing the broader issues of youth homelessness in our communities by focusing what we can do right now to support individuals who are facing an uncertain future.”

   Kelly Black, Director, Human Services, Oxford County

Quick facts

• The ages of youth typically served by Oxford County Community Health Centre’s Youth Outreach & Support Services is 16–24 years of age.
• Approximately 42% of youth served by OCCHC do not have stable housing. Through the new Youth Transition program, 12% of that number are now housed (4 youth).

About Oxford County Community Health Centre

The Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) is a non-for-profit charitable organization, serving communities across Oxford County. Its primary funder is Ontario Health (West). It is funded to serve marginalized individuals, meaning those facing health and social complexities in everyday life; with limited income and resources; and without a physician or nurse practitioner. For more information visit www.oxchc.ca

About Oxford County 

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County’s Strategic Plan commits to Promoting community vitality, Enhancing environmental sustainability, and Fostering progressive government. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with an agricultural industry that supports innovation, sustainability and a diversified local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.