Youth Haven in Barrie were the recipients of a $1150.00 cheque from the Head Office Staff of the Ontario Provincial Police Association on Tuesday December 21, 2021. 

The donation drive was spearheaded with a 50-50 draw and providing an option to staff members to donate for Christmas to the youth shelter in Barrie.

The winner of the 50/50 draw was OPP Association Pension and Benefits Executive Officer Lisa Hillstrom. Lisa donated her winnings back to the cause. The generosity of the collective of the staff led to the sizable donation.

OPP Association staff led by President Rob Stinson attended Youth Haven to present the cheque.  

OPPA President Rob Stinson stated “I am proud of our staff for their caring and generosity. Youth Haven Barrie does great work to help our youth, and the OPP Association is happy to support that work any way we can.”

Youth Haven began in 1987, when a group of concerned citizens realized there was nowhere in Barrie for a youth experiencing homelessness to go for shelter. They began taking kids into their homes, and quickly realized that the need required a better response.

In 1990, they were incorporated and received charitable status, opening their first location on Dunlop Street W. in Barrie. The first facility housed 6 youth, with almost all the food and items coming from donations. They moved to Toronto Street, where they continued to grow and serve more youth, and provide more services, and in 2010, another milestone was reached when they moved to their current home on Wellington Street East, offering 16 emergency care beds and 5 transitional beds.

Youth Haven provides youth experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24 with the love, support, guidance, programs and life skills needed to foster their sense of well-being and security. As Simcoe County’s only emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, Youth Haven also provides outreach services and programs to at-risk youth in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, southern Georgian Bay and south Simcoe. Over 400 youth received services from Youth Haven in 2019.

The staff consists of qualified and dedicated individuals who are committed to equipping the homeless youth in Simcoe County with the life skills required to live independently; empowering them to become healthy, productive men and women.

Youth Haven consists of a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, a Director of Fund Development, a Director of Services, a Director of Counselling, a Life Skills Coordinator & Case Managers, outreach and in shelter counsellors, and several Youth Workers who ensure a qualified staff is on site 24/7/365

Volunteers are a very important part of the day-to-day operations of Youth Haven. We receive support from placement students, and community members who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting our youth and the fight to end youth homelessness Youth Haven welcomes online donations through their official website.