Celebrating 25 Years of Community, Compassion, and Change
This year, YES Shelter for Youth and Families proudly celebrates 25 years of working hand in hand with our community to support youth and families experiencing homelessness. Since 1999, it’s been the compassion of our neighbours, partners, donors, and volunteers that has made our work possible. Together, we’ve created a safe, welcoming space where young people can find stability, support, and hope for the future.
This milestone is not just about looking back—it’s about building a stronger future for youth and families in our community. We would be honoured to have you with us as we celebrate 25 years, thousands of stories, one YES
$25,000 for 25 Years
Help us to continue to provide the vital services and supports that people experiencing homelessness rely on in our community by contributing to our anniversary goal of raising an additional $25,000 this year!
1999
YES gets first funding
YES Committee receives first organizational funding from the United Way, allowing the hiring of staff to research and develop a shelter proposal.
2000
The Youth Emergency Shelter of Peterborough is Incorporated
The Youth Emergency Shelter of Peterborough incorporates as a not-for-profit charitable organization
2000-2001
YES opens first temporary shelter
Operation of a “temporary” shelter (5 beds) with funds received from the Federal Government. This facility served 17 youth over 4 months.
2001
196 Brock St property purchased
Property at 196 Brock Street purchased for renovations/construction of Emergency Shelter (funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).
2002
Youth hired to help renovate new property
Experience Youth Employment Program employs more than 20 youth to assist with construction of the shelter building
2002
YES opens it’s doors
In December, YES opens to youth experiencing homelessness in Peterborough on Dec. 20, after 15 months of construction. Although some parts of the building are still under construction, the shelter has two clients almost immediately. By mid-February 2003, that number had grown to 20
2003
YES has first Open House
In February, YES hosted it’s first official Open House which was attended by more than 500 visitors
2004
Abbott House opens
Transition facility for youth owned by YES opens for youth exiting homelessness
2004
Carriage House school opens
Carriage House alternative classroom opens in partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on the YES property
2007
YES Emergency food cupboard opens
YES began operating its Emergency Food Cupboard in cooperation with Kawartha Food Share).
2007
Families welcomed in shelter
YES officially begins offering shelter to families, although families had been welcomed since early 2006
2013
Youth in Transition Program begins
Youth-In Transition Worker program begins to provide transitional supports for youth with current or past involvement with the Children’s Aid Society.
2015
Dedicated Case Manager hired
Increased funding from United Way of Peterborough allows YES to hire a dedicated case manager
2019
Partnership with 211 begins
YES began working with the 211 Program to offer homelessness prevention services for youth and families in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
2020
RISE Youth Housing program gets updated
With the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, YES tripled the capacity of the Transitional Housing Program and renamed it the RISE Youth Housing Program.
2023
At the Door launches
With funding through Reaching Home and the United Way of Peterborough, YES launched the At the Door Program, which provides healthy snacks and drinks to members of the Nogo/Ptbo community
2025
Shelter Repair Project completed
YES launched a community campaign to raise $250K to address some serious building issues with the Emergency Shelter on Brock St. that included bathroom renovations, 3rd floor porch renewal, Carriage House roof replacement and front yard repave
