Stratford marks first Youth Homelessness Awareness Day Nov. 17; MP pushes for federal recognition

Shelterlink Youth Services is proud to announce that Nov. 17, 2025, marks the inaugural Youth Homelessness Awareness Day in Stratford.

This important day, officially declared by the City of Stratford and the Town of St. Marys, shines a light on the growing issue of youth homelessness in the community and the need for continued action, awareness and compassion.

Shelterlink invites community members, partners and supporters to join them at Stratford City Hall at 9 a.m. on Nov. 17 for the official flag-raising ceremony.

“Youth homelessness is often hidden, but it’s a reality for far too many young people across Perth County,” said Cate Trudeau, executive director of Shelterlink Youth Services. “Having a dedicated day of recognition helps us raise awareness, reduce stigma and advocate for the supports and housing young people need to thrive.”

MP John Nater supports the initiative and has done his part to bring federal attention to Shelterlink’s request, hoping to make Nov. 17 National Youth Homelessness Awareness Day across Canada.

Nater wrote to Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson on May 26, 2025, to share Shelterlink’s interest in having the federal government recognize Nov. 17 as National Youth Homelessness Awareness Day.

“I was pleased to support the petition for a National Youth Homelessness Awareness Day as part of an initiative of Shelterlink Youth Services in Stratford,” said Nater. “When a petition is tabled, the government is required to provide its response within 45 calendar days. I look forward to Minister Robertson and the government’s formal response.

“While I recognize that some may see declaring an awareness day as a symbolic move, it is nonetheless an important way to bring the public’s attention to this issue,” continued Nater.

For more than 30 years, Shelterlink Youth Services in Stratford has supported youth aged 14 to 24 who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Through outreach, emergency shelter and post-shelter supports, Shelterlink helps youth build stability, independence and long-term housing security.

The organization believes community awareness and collaboration are essential to breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring all youth have a safe place to call home.

In 2024–25, Shelterlink served 107 youth in Perth County; 49 in shelter and 25 in outreach. It also introduced a new post-shelter program supporting 12 youth in maintaining housing. The initiative aims to reduce youth homelessness by preventing entry into the system through community support and family connections.

According to the federal report by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 46 per cent of chronically homeless adults had their first experience of homelessness before the age of 25.

Trudeau notes that nationally, one in five Canadians experiencing homelessness are youth between the ages of 13 and 24, and 40 per cent of homeless youth first experience homelessness before the age of 16.

“Nearly half of chronically homeless adults first experienced homelessness before the age of 25,” said Trudeau. “If we really want to look at prevention and addressing homelessness in general, we really need to start with our youth.”

Young people are often experiencing homelessness for the first time, without the life skills, financial stability or social supports adults may have developed. Many youth are fleeing unsafe homes, family conflict or aging out of care systems, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, mental health challenges and barriers to education and employment.

“Far too often, I hear the concerns of our community about youth homelessness and the challenges faced by young people trying to find stable and affordable housing,” said Nater. “I will continue to call on the government to take meaningful action to address the challenges of housing in our community.”

Shelterlink expresses its gratitude to the City of Stratford, the Town of St. Marys and Nater for recognizing this critical issue and taking a stand through the official declaration.

Shelterlink looks forward to the federal government’s final decision within the next month.

“Having a national awareness day is an opportunity to reduce stigma, share accurate information about youth and raise awareness of the importance of having safe and stable housing for young people,” said Trudeau.