Young people having difficulty navigating the tricky maze of programs offering COVID-19 help will now get some guidance.
Thanks to a grant from the Canadian government and United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, the Downtown Mission will provide additional support to clients of its Windsor Youth Centre, and other vulnerable young people in the area.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared in mid-March, the Mission had focused its youth-oriented efforts on the delivery of basic necessities, under provincial and public health guidelines designed to curb the spread of the pandemic. Now, according to the Reverend Ron Dunn, the Mission's executive director, this service will go a step further.
"Right now, they are telling us that they do not know where to turn for assistance, who is open, who isn't, what new programs exist and how do they access and navigate these programs they need," said Dunn. "For those who are housed, they feel the impact of isolation. For those who are still living on the streets, it is hard to focus on priorities and live life when you don't have a place to call home. Our young people need some help navigating life right now."
The pandemic project, dubbed Young People Navigating Life, will directly support about 50 youth clients thanks to the grant money. The ultimate goal is to reassure vulnerable young people that there is an easy path toward getting the resources needed to dodge the perils of the pandemic.
"It's a big unknown for us all, but our vulnerable young people should not feel alone going through life, especially right now," said Dunn. "We are grateful to partner with the Government of Canada and our local United Way to ensure our young people know they matter and that they are not alone."
Complete information on the Windsor Youth Centre can be found on the Mission's official website.