Homelessness DOES exist in St. Thomas & Elgin County
Many people picture the homeless as those living on the streets, in parks, in doorways and in other public places. But the “hidden homeless” – an estimated 80% of those without a place to call home – are much less visible and struggling every day.
(Source: Raising A Roof Website)
DONATE NOW TO OUR 2024 CAMPAIGN
Did you know that 20% of Canada’s homeless population is between the ages of 13 & 24
In fact, during 2022, over 25% of those identified in our community as experiencing homelessness were between the ages of 16-24. This is greater than the national average. YWCA Youth Housing and Services directly support youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with a tailored approach designed for teens transitioning to adulthood.
%
of Canada's homeless population are youth
Housing is simply not affordable
In 2023, the average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas was $1,097. (CMHC-SCHL Primary Rental Market Statistics) The current maximum shelter allowance for an Ontario Works (social assistance) recipient is $390. For someone receiving ODSP, the maximum is $556. (Source: Income Security Advocacy Centre)
Average one-bedroom apartment in St. Thomas
Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing and poverty intervention programs
Our housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women, men, youth, and women-led families. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.
Our Supportive Housing program includes our residences (Horizon House, Unity House, Harmony House, Fairwinds for Youth, several independent living apartments, YWCA Women’s Residence, and our Women-Led Family Transitional Home)
You can become a Sponsor or a Donor
We invite you to show your support through our various giving levels whether you are a business owner, service club, local organization or individual. View our KAR Giving Recognition and Confirmation Form here.
How to Donate
Send an E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please include your full name, address and phone number within the notes of your transfer which will be used for your charitable tax receipt if $20 or more is donated. Sponsorship not eligible for tax receipts.)
By phone (519) 631-9800 or toll-free at 1-800-461-0954
By mailing a cheque payable to ‘YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’ 16 Mary St. West, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3
Online (up to $999) through our secure online donation system
DONATE NOW TO OUR 2024 CAMPAIGN
Thank you to our generous community. With your contribution we raised $58,975 during our 2023 Campaign. Donate today and help us reach our 2024 goal of $50,000!
Platinum ($10,000+)
Duggie & Ted Gill
Platinum ($5,000 – $9,999)
Gold ($3,000 – 4,999)
Green Lane Community Trust Fund
Silver ($2,000 – 2,999)
Bronze ($1,000 – 1,999)
Anne Kenny
Don & Hazel Williams Charitable Foundation
Elgin Contracting & Restoration Ltd
Leigh & Paul Graham
Lions Club of St.Thomas
Shedden Oddfellows #310
Donors
$500 – $999
Deb & Carl Bagshaw
Judith & Robert Upsdell
Kinsmen Club of St.Thomas
Louis Beneteau
Sine B Herold
Southwest Tax Service
United Way Elgin Middlesex
$250 – $499
Colette & Joe Dodds
Darwen Lowe
Donwest Custom Homes
Elizabeth Sebestyen
Luyks Siemens Helder LLP
Janet & Michael Golding
Mary-Ellen & Brian Bolt
Royal Canadian Legion Port Stanley – Branch 410
Optimist Club of St.Thomas
Williams Funeral Home
$100 – $249
Anne Haayema
Ashley Dunn
Barbara & John Campbell
Carol Godfrey
Diane & Mark William Sager
Jeanne Thysman
June Chaput
Lindsay & Dane Rice
Mary Elaine Sandford
Monica Smith