Taylor’s Story; Leaving his tent behind

When Taylor found himself sleeping outside last winter, he wasn’t totally surprised. He was grateful for his friend who was with him, and they did the best they could. Each night, as the temperature dropped, he lay awake, unsure if he would even survive until morning. The blankets weren’t enough, the biting cold seeped through, and the chill set in while fear and hopelessness weighed heavy on his chest.

During those dark months, Taylor approached the YES Shelter for Youth and Families each day to see if there was a bed for him overnight. The staff knew him by name, offering what little they could—some snacks, water, dry socks, hand and foot warmers, but each time he came, the shelter was full.

Help YES expand our housing program so that we don’t have to turn youth away from Emergency Shelter.

After weeks of uncertainty and struggle Taylor arrived at YES with his usual question, but this time, he heard a different answer. “We have a spot for you tonight,” a staff member said with a smile. After so long of living outside, he was finally going to have a warm bed; a place where he could sleep without fear.

The relief he felt that first night in shelter was indescribable.

For the first time in months, Taylor slept deeply, not worried about the cold or the danger that came with living outdoors. With sleep and regular meals came a new clarity, and for the first time in a long while, Taylor began to think about the future. He worked closely with YES staff, who helped him navigate the trauma that came with his past and encouraged him to look beyond just surviving. They introduced him to the RISE Youth Housing Program, a promising possibility in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong for young people like Taylor, who don’t have a home or family that can support them.

Summer came, and with it, a big change for the better. Taylor was able to secure a spot in the RISE Youth Housing Program. Now, he had his very own space, and with it came a sense of stability that had been missing for so long. Taylor began setting goals, thinking not just about surviving another night, but about his longer-term future. He began to envision a life where he could live on his own, work toward independence, and never have to face homelessness again.

Feeling cozy rather than frightened

After being in his place for a while, Taylor started skateboarding again; something he’d always loved to do. Now, it’s his main mode of transportation and he even gets to the skatepark once every week or so. It’s a fun way for him to connect with others, and keep doing the things he enjoys.

As winter approaches once again, Taylor feels a sense of security he hadn’t known before. After an afternoon at the skatepark, Taylor can skate home and get warm, and cook himself some food as the darkness settles on our community for another night. There’s a cozy feeling that comes with this time of day now. Not the terrifying feeling that used to come with the dark cold.

Taylor’s journey isn’t over, but he’s proud of the path he’s on. In the RISE Program, he’s no longer just surviving – he is living, dreaming, and making choices that are right for him.

The RISE Youth Housing Program in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong can’t exist without help from people like you.

Please consider supporting this important program so that YES can keep offering housing to young people who would otherwise be alone and on their own in our community. It is undoubtedly part of the solution to the homelessness we’re seeing around us.

Taylor’s name, likeness and some situational details have been changed to protect his privacy.