Wood’s Homes will be able to support 30 young people transitioning to their first independent living situation with home supply packages, thanks to funding received from Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
The federal program is delivered through the City of Lethbridge’s Community Social Development department with support and direction provided by its Community Wellbeing Advisory Board.
Wood’s Homes is committed to stretching the $25,000 grant to maximize resources and impact with the help of local businesses.
Home supply packages come with essential items, including a bed, household goods and cleaning and laundry products.
Program Supervisor Kelsey DesRoche says the kits also include a microwave, vacuum, pots and pans and dishes too. “All those basic essentials people need when they’re moving into a home for the first time.”
“When you move into your first home, and you have your first month’s rent and your damage deposit, it’s quite a financial burden. This gives us the opportunity to relieve some of that for these young people,” noted DesRoche.
People receiving the kits can also have pride over the things they receive, adds DesRoche. “And have a good foundation to start living independently.”
DesRoche says the organization has been able to purchase all the items in the kits. “I believe we’ve given three full kits out. The feedback from the young people is just how immensely grateful they are for it. To be able to not have that added stress.”
Through Wood’s Homes’ continuum of youth services, including the youth shelter and other programs, recipients are selected for the home kits.
“Any of those young people involved in one of our program areas, if they’re moving out into independence and need extra support, I just talk to their case manager and we come up with a plan and ensure it’s an appropriate use of one of the packages,” DesRoche explains.
“This is new, to be able to commit to this level,” says DesRoche. “We’ve always tried. We have a wonderful community that supports the work we do. This is the first time we’ve been able to do it on this level.”
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
