Searching for Solutions
As a former mayor of a mid-size city in Canada, I had a first hand account of the rise in social issues facing communities across North America. Searching for Solutions is about examining issues such as the housing crisis, homelessness, mental health, addictions and food insecurity to find disruptive solutions that are having a real impact. Each episode looks at an issue and features a guest that guides us through a problem to a solution. A great resource for people in communities looking how to make a difference at a time when many people are feeling helpless.
Searching for Solutions
Focusing on diversion to tackle youth homelessness
According to Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey, 20% of the homeless population in Canada is comprised of youth between the ages of 13-24. In a given year, there are at least 35,000-40,000 youth experiencing homelessness. Finding ways to keep youth from entering homelessness needs to be a priority for communities.
This episode of Searching for Solutions features an insightful conversation with Mike Lethby, Executive Director of RAFT, an innovative youth resource outreach and homeless shelter for teens in Niagara. The keys to reducing youth homelessness start with support and diversion and Mike travels across Canada showcasing how RAFT shifted its approaches to youth homelessness leading to significant reductions in youth experiencing homelessness in Niagara.