Youth homelessness diversion or ‘shelter diversion’ is a strategy that redirects youth to alternate temporary housing options and connects them with services and supports to prevent youth from staying in emergency shelters. The goal of diversion is to help youth transition to stability and prevent the cycle of homelessness.
Homeless shelters are not the only option for youth experiencing homelessness in our community. In fact, it is best to prevent young people from entering the cycle of homelessness whenever possible. This is why Wyndham House actively uses a diversion protocol to help us figure out what the BEST option is for each of the youth accessing our services. Diversion and rapid rehousing approaches allow us to work with each individual youth to come up with a strategy that will suit their situation and needs. For example, if someone is at risk of accessing shelter because their family cannot afford food, Wyndham House can help address the food security concern, rather than bringing the youth to the shelter.
Diversion Conversations Identify:
- Immediate dangers
- Housing history
- Connection to other services
- Natural supports
- A plan of action
What Diversion Does:
- Helps clients explore all other options before emergency shelter
- Keeps youth connected and helps them remain in their own communities
- Prevent exposure to crime, sexual exploitation, violence, and addictions
What Diversion Does Not Do:
- Deny clients from accessing shelter
- Ignore the needs of youth in a housing crisis
Are you eligible for our services?
- Are you between the ages of 16 and 25?
- If not, please reach out to Guelph-Wellington’s adult services.
- Are you from the Guelph-Wellington region?
- Are you homeless or at-risk of homelessness?
If you answered yes to all of the questions, call for diversion support:
Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM:
(226) 962-3574
Evenings and Weekends:
(519) 837-3892