The YWCA of St. Thomas launched their 12th annual Keep A Roof Campaign in October of last year with a financial target of $40,000.
The homelessness fundraising initiative wrapped up at the end of the year and at that time over $70,000 had been donated, making it the best campaign ever.
Executive director Lindsay Rice says many of those homeless individuals are young people.
In 2021, over 25 per cent of those identified in the community as experiencing homelessness were between the ages of 16 and 24, greater than the national average.
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin offers safe and affordable housing with supports to women, men and youth.
Made possible by donations through programs like this year’s Keep A Roof Campaign.
Rice tells myFM these programs geared toward homeless individuals have a high success rate.
The average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas is just shy of $900.
The reality of that can be seen every day on the streets of the city. That is why the YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin housing support programs are critical.
As is their annual Keep A Roof Campaign, explains Rice.
You can still donate to the Keep A Roof campaign. For more information and to donate, visit https://ywcaste.ca/keep-a-roof-over-their-heads/
Written by Ian McCallum
