Touchstone Youth Centre is a 32 bed emergency shelter for 16 - 24 year old homeless and at-risk youth. In addition to shelter, we address the many issues of homeless youth by offering an Employment Program, Housing Help, a Drop-in Centre and an Outreach Worker.
15 Years, August 2006 marks 15 years since we first opened our doors in 1991, located just east of Toronto's downtown core we are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing food, shelter, counselling, emotional support and a hug for over 3,000 youths that need us.
Young people arrive at Touchstone for a variety of reasons. Over 86% have suffered sexual, psychologically or physical abuse in their young lives, some have unsuccessfully tried to survive the intolerable conditions of the streets, others are mentally challenged and some simply have no where else to go, no matter what the reason, most simply do not possess the skills needed to acquire meaningful employment or to find safe, secure and affordable housing. Over 90% come from home experiencing family breakdown and over 60% simply have nowhere to go. Touchstone continues to strive towards enhancing the lives of these young victims.
Touchstone is committed to addressing the most pressing issues of our young victims: homelessness, hunger, unemployment, and alienation from family. By offering the opportunities to develop social and life skills, Touchstone supports youth as they work toward achieving independence and encourages their integration into mainstream society.
