“LOFY has impacted my life in a lot of ways. I am more confident talking to adults and other youth. I feel happy and accepted all the time. The staff at the shelter are nice and helpful. I am not afraid to be myself and ask questions knowing everyone will help and accept me. I think LOFY is a great place.” Barbara, 20
Living Options For Youth (LOFY)
LOFY is a supervised, transitional hostel program for male and female youth. We provide shelter, life skills training, guidance and support in a safe, violence and substance free living environment.
Find more information about LOFY here
Emergency Community Placement
Shelterlink coordinates short term emergency shelter for youth in crisis. Staff assist youth with making a future housing plan and link them with other relevant community services and supports.
Call 519-272-2294 (nights & weekends).
Independent Living Support
Shelterlink provides information, referrals, and mentoring to at risk youth who are either living independently or considering a move to independence. Call Ann at 519-272-2294.
SHOPP
Supported Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) is a highly collaborative Housing First program serving the City of Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. The program provides housing assistance and wrap around support services to people who are experiencing homelessness.
Find more information about SHOPP here
Life Skills
Many youth served at Shelterlink are out of school and unemployed. It’s difficult to find work and transition to independent living at the same time.
Life Skills are designed to enhance this transition by teaching the skills needed to find and maintain employment.
The program has 9 modules. Youth are taught modules on an independent level and can complete them in any order. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end.
The modules are:
- Money Management
- Youth and the Law
- Budgeting Month to Month
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Communication
- Cooking on a Budget
- Job Maintenance
- Nature and Substance/Drug Use
- Mental Health and Coping
- Personal Hygiene
There is no fee to LOFY participants.