Living Rock- Youth Centre

Programs and services at Living Rock are geared to youth who have experienced significant challenges within their families, foster care system, school, and within the mainstream community.

Once a youth becomes street involved they will face even more challenges. Many youth confront barriers to accessing basic needs and services due to their age, appearance, homeless or runaway status, and lack of income, as well as struggles with drug dependence, low self esteem, and emotional and mental health issues.

“Research also reveals youth experience many barriers to securing /maintaining mainstream employment, including a lack of training and experience, barriers due to their age, appearance and homeless status.” Homeless and Street -Involved Youth in HRM, Prepared by Rebecca Koeller.

Youth under 24 years of age are said to be the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in Canada
Karabanow, 2005; Mayor’s Homelessness Action Task Force
Despite their circumstances, many youth are: struggling to stay in school or/and work, affected by mental or emotional health and/or learning needs, addictions, trauma, family breakdowns or death of
parents. Furthermore, if youth are pregnant or parents they require specialized supports and referrals.

The Living Rock is here to support youth by providing programs and resources that respond to their specific individualized needs.

“When I first came to Hamilton, I did not know where to begin. I started coming to the Rock, then volunteering, and I got connected into programs. Now I am doing better, I have my motivation back.”
A.W.— male youth , 23 yrs old