Kingston, ON (November 24, 2015) The United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) and Sophie Kiwala, MPP for Kingston and the Islands hosted a Youth Homelessness Awareness Day at Queen’s Park in Toronto. In a meaningful show of all-party support, Members of Provincial Parliament wore specially-designed scarves to raise awareness of the need to end youth homelessness and heard from a number of service providers on how, together, we can make a positive difference for at-risk youth in our communities.
Sophie Kiwala, MPP for Kingston and the Islands and Bhavana Varma, CEO of the United Way KFLA coordinated efforts to raise awareness among MPPs about some of the causes of youth homelessness, and the specific challenges that young people face when they are homeless, and to showcase Kingston’s approach to bring about change.
“We have an amazing steering committee in Kingston and area and have progressed extremely well in developing a plan to end youth homelessness,” said Bhavana Varma. “Through the process, the most important voice has been, and continues to be, the voice of youth. They have shared their energy, their stories, their compassion and, most importantly, proposed solutions. Our plan is based on their input, for which we are grateful.”
MPP Kiwala introduced a motion in the legislature Monday morning requesting all parties to allow their members to wear a scarf, specially designed by BMDodo for the United Way of KFLA, which promotes awareness of youth homelessness. The motion was successful, and MPPs wore their scarves on both sides of the House, gathering afterwards for a photo opportunity. This was followed by a reception hosted by MPP Kiwala and United Way KFLA.
“We share a strong commitment to poverty reduction and to eliminating chronic homelessness over the next 10 years,” said MPP Kiwala. “Our government has shown excellent leadership and a strong commitment to ensure that our youth have the support and resources they need across our communities. I am pleased that yesterday’s event was such a success and that members from all parties acknowledged the importance of eliminating youth homelessness. I am also very proud of the approach we are taking in Kingston and the Islands, ensuring that youth have an active voice and role in identifying solutions. To focus our attention on our youth, make them part of the conversation and provide them with a safe environment to be heard – is one of the best ways to ensure the brightest possible future.
Deputy Premier Deb Matthews (London North Centre) spoke of the province’s plan to eliminate chronic homelessness in 10 years, and a focus on youth homelessness. She made a commitment that no youth in provincial care would be discharged into homelessness. MPP Julia Munroe (York-Simcoe) and MPP Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain) spoke in support of raising awareness and implementing strategies to end youth homelessness in Ontario. Other organizations that presented included the United Ways of Ontario, the Provincial Council on Youth Opportunities, Eva’s Initiatives and Laidlaw Foundation.
Visit http://unitedwaykfla.ca/programs/youth-homelessness/ for more information.
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OTHER RESOURCES
Fact sheet – Let’s End Youth Homelessness in Ontario
First-hand stories – From youth who experienced homelessness
Image – JPG file – Let’s End Youth Homelessness scarf design
Media Contact:
Bhavana Varma, President & CEO, United Way of KFL&A
613-542-2674 ext. 1101, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
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