Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, councillors Sergio Morales(Ward 9) and Natalie Harris (Ward 6), as well as former councillor Arif Khan dropped by Youth Haven to support to the Boxes of Hope campaign. They also toured the shelter to learn more about the programs and services offered by Youth Haven to youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk of homelessness.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for a video of Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman discussing how you can #BeTheDifference by supporting Boxes of Hope.

#BeTheDifference

There’s no place like home for the holidays. Not every youth in Simcoe County has a place they can call home.

You can “Be the Difference” for youth in our care by purchasing a $50 gift box. Proceeds from each purchase will be used to buy Christmas gifts and care packages for youth, ages 16-24, who are experiencing homelessness.

The Boxes of Hope campaign will provide youth at our shelter and in our outreach programs with a Christmas gift and care package, such as scarves, gloves, toques, toiletries, hygiene products and gift cards.

“By purchasing a box, not only will the community “Be the Difference” for the youth in our care, some people are going to win amazing prizes.” – Lucy Gowers, Executive Director of Youth Haven

Over 80 per cent of the youth who use the services of Youth Haven have left home due to neglect, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, while others are dealing with mental health and addiction issues.

“We know that one in three people who use emergency shelter services in Simcoe County are youth. Last year, over 400 youth received support from Youth Haven, both at our 16-bed emergency shelter and are outreach services in Barrie, Orillia, Midland and South Simcoe’” – Lucy Gowers

Won’t you #BeTheDifference?  Purchase your box of hope here.