25 Years of YES: Reflecting on the Past, Responding to the Present

25 Years of YES: Supporting Youth and Families in Peterborough

This year, YES Shelter for Youth and Families celebrates its 25th anniversary – a milestone that allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come while shining a light on the challenges still ahead.

When we opened our doors in 1999, YES operated solely as an emergency shelter for youth and families in crisis. Today, thanks to the dedication of our community and the generosity of our supporters, we provide much more. Our services include transitional housing for both youth and families, community outreach to prevent homelessness, an alternative classroom for students who need a different learning environment, a drop-in centre that offers safety and connection, and food security support through our At the Door initiative.

Over the years, we’ve grown. We’ve adapted to new realities. And we’ve met emerging needs head-on. But as we prepare for the cold months ahead – we are worried.

Homelessness in Peterborough: Why Housing Supports Are More Urgent Than Ever

Canada faces a national housing crisis. Across the country, there is a shortfall of more than 4 million affordable homes, and social housing construction has been stalled for decades. These pressures hit Peterborough especially hard, making safe, affordable housing out of reach for many youth and families.

For several years, Peterborough recorded the lowest apartment vacancy rate in Ontario. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the rate sat at just 1% in 2021, 2022, and 2023—leaving almost no available housing and pushing rents even higher.

Recent CMHC figures show a small shift. Vacancies climbed to 3.3% between October 2023 and October 2024. But the market remains very tight, especially for affordable units. Families and youth already struggling have seen little relief. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and the shortage of affordable housing continue to push people to the margins. Many face impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries, keep the heat on or cover transportation to work.

For young people, especially those without stable family support, the path to security can feel almost impossible.

Why Transitional Housing is Essential for Ending Homelessness

Emergency shelter offers immediate safety, but true stability comes from transitional housing.

Programs like RISE Youth Housing and our Family Transitional Housing break the cycle of homelessness. They provide not only a roof overhead, but also consistent support to help youth and families rebuild. With staff guidance, participants can return to school, find work, and manage health needs. These supports give them the foundation to eventually move into permanent housing.

Despite their proven, life-changing impact, these programs still lack consistent government funding. Community support makes them possible.

Matthew’s Story: How Transitional Housing Changes Lives

Matthew and his father never imagined they would need YES. Just last year, they were living in a modest two-bedroom apartment. But when his father lost his job unexpectedly, everything unraveled quickly. With no savings to fall back on and rent prices in Peterborough soaring, they soon fell behind.

At first, they stayed with a series of friends, sleeping in spare rooms or on couches. But as weeks turned into months, their options ran out. Eventually, they had no choice but to spend nights in their car. It was cold, cramped, and exhausting. Matthew struggled to keep up with school, his future slipping further out of reach each day.

When they arrived at YES, they were exhausted and out of options. Thanks to our community of supporters, YES’s Family Support Worker was able to begin the search for an affordable, longer-term unit, entering Matthew and his dad in our Family Transitional Housing Program. This program gave them access to a full year of dedicated supports, from housing navigation to financial planning, emotional support, and day-to-day problem-solving. That stability gave Matthew the chance to return to school and focus on his future, while his father worked with staff to rebuild his confidence and re-enter the workforce.

How You Can Help Youth and Families Facing Homelessness in Peterborough

As we head into another cold season, the fear of families sleeping in cars or youth returning to tents is very real. The need in our community keeps rising. Without urgent support, we may not have the resources to keep everyone safe and housed.

By renewing your support – or even increasing your gift – you ensure that transitional housing, emergency shelter, and other vital programs remain available to those who need them most.

As we celebrate our 25th year, we feel deep gratitude for all we have built together. And we remain hopeful – because with your continued partnership, YES can keep growing and responding to the urgent needs of youth and families in Peterborough.

Be part of YES Shelter’s next 25 years of impact. Your support today helps ensure that youth and families in Peterborough have not only a safe place to turn in times of crisis, but also the long-term supports they need to rebuild. Please consider making a donation, renewing your gift, or sharing this story with others who care about ending homelessness. Together, we can make sure no young person or family is left without hope – or a home.

Thank you for standing with us.