Every youth in our community deserves a fair chance at life. CJHS aims to be a support system for Calgary youth who may have stepped off the right path and need guidance in getting back on track. A major aspect of success includes access to basic needs, housing, and social supports. Unfortunately, not enough funding goes into supporting Calgary homelessness. Approximately 20% of the homeless population in Canada is comprised of youth between the ages of 13-24. In a given year, there are at least 35,000-40,000 youth experiencing homelessness. *
CJHS has two youth housing facilities that aim to be a part of the solution for youth homelessness. Both houses have 24/7 staff who support the youth through their challenges, trauma, and success. Raido House, our 8-bedroom Roofs for Youth housing for ages 15-18, housed 16 youth in 2021. Raido House supports youth that for a variety of reasons, are unable to reside with their family. Sometimes Raido House youth engage in risky behaviour, and we need to ensure that our staff have ease of access to their rooms. We hope to eventually put in place new solid doors that cannot be barricaded, and that open out. This significant safety improvement will allow easy access in the event of an emergency.
The house itself is over 100 years old, with so many historic aspects that make the home unique. Similar to any old house, Raido needs lots of maintenance to upkeep the historical value, while ensuring it is a safe place for our youth to live. Due to the house being so old, the eaves are split in various places and water is running down the sides and leaking into the walls of the building, which is a major priority on our list of repairs. Although, as many homeowners may know, the ‘to-do list’ for house maintenance never seems to be completed – as one task gets done, another gets added. To create an even safer space for the youth, two of the many items on our to-do list are to replace the common kitchen pipe insulation – with the plumbing for the sink and dishwasher freezing every winter, this upgrade is essential to have a safe kitchen for the youth to prepare their meals. Additionally, rebuilding the laundry room to include safer, more reliable appliances is a priority to ensure access to basic needs are met.
Your generous contribution can have a major impact in ensuring Raido House can continue to receive the essential upgrades needed, so it can continue being a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for youth who need a little help in life. You are a difference-maker, and we truly appreciate any gift given towards CJHS’ Raido House maintenance campaign. We would love to keep you updated on this journey and show you the impact crossing items off our to-do list can make.
*Statistics retrieved from Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey (homelesshub.ca)
