Stuart Reid to speak on Helping Youth in Transition

Stuart Reid is confirmed as a speaker for Harmony Centre’s Small Communities Solutions Conference coming up on March 29. His talk will be: Helping Youth in Transition: Rent Supplements Keep Youths Housed.

This program addresses the needs of youth, 16 to 24 years of age, facing homelessness in Grey Bruce, through a rent supplement along with counselling and mentoring to ensure best outcomes.

Over the past year, the project has offered a monthly rent supplement to the first cohort of 12 youth from the By-Names list. By-Name Lists allow communities to know every person experiencing homelessness by name and facilitate efficient decisions around how best to refer housing resources.

YMCA Housing Services delivers the supplement as well as wrap around services, mentoring, and transitional supports that have the potential to significantly change the life trajectory of participants. The rent supplement adds to the supports available from the associated County, meaning that youth will have more money in their pockets, and sovereignty over their situation and finances.

The project aims to lend dignity and autonomy to youth in transition. Our model will track the impact of this supplement and will reflect the changes in life trajectory of the 12+ individuals engaged in the effort.

The program received originating support from the Laidlaw family and the Laidlaw Foundation, the Joseph & Marilyn Hunt Fund, and the Next25 Fund, Project partners include CFGB, United Way of Bruce Grey, Grey Bruce Poverty Task Force, YMCA of Owen Sound Bruce Grey, private donors, and other foundations.

Stuart Reid joined the community philanthropy movement in 2016 as Executive Director of Community Foundation Grey Bruce. A graduate of York University in Toronto, he has over 30 years of leadership experience in Canadian art museums and the non-profit sector. As a passionate advocate for community wellbeing, he is an active volunteer and a board member for the Canadian Crafts Federation. Stuart is an award-winning writer, a certified yoga instructor, and loves living near the shores of Georgian Bay in Annan, Ontario.

More on Harmony Centre’s Small Communities Solutions Conference click here.