Community Roundtable Advances Vision for Youth Transitional Housing and Wellness Centre in Halton
The Halton Police Foundation and the Halton Police Board recently convened a community roundtable to advance discussions on the potential development of a At-Risk Youth Transitional Housing and Wellness Centre in Halton. Bringing together more than 30 participants from youth services, housing, healthcare, education, social services, and lived experience, the session marked an important step toward addressing the growing and complex needs of at-risk youth in our community.
The roundtable was designed to identify current challenges facing at-risk youth, explore a shared vision for the Centre, assess community interest and capacity, and begin shaping a collaborative path forward. Throughout the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of building upon the excellent work already being done across Halton while creating stronger connections between services and supports.
Understanding the Need
Participants highlighted a range of challenges facing youth, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 18, with discussion around extending supports to young adults transitioning from care to independence. Key concerns included mental health and addictions, housing instability, service navigation barriers, transportation challenges, and a lack of coordinated wrap-around supports.
Many participants noted that youth and families often struggle to identify and access the services they need, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention and support. There was broad agreement that a more integrated approach is needed to ensure vulnerable youth can access care, housing, and life-skills development in a seamless and supportive environment.
A Vision for a Youth-Centred Hub
The vision that emerged from the roundtable was one of a comprehensive, youth-focused hub that provides safe and supportive spaces while connecting young people to the resources they need to thrive.
Participants envisioned a Centre that could offer transitional housing, stabilization services, mental health and wellness supports, addictions services, healthcare access, employment and educational pathways, mentorship opportunities, life-skills training, peer support, and recreational programming.
Equally important was the emphasis on creating a welcoming, trauma-informed, and non-institutional environment where youth feel respected, valued, and empowered. Core values identified for the Centre included empathy, dignity, inclusivity, safety, understanding, innovation, and respect.
Identifying Challenges and Opportunities
While enthusiasm for the initiative was very strong, participants also acknowledged several challenges that will need to be addressed as planning progresses.
These include securing sustainable multi-year funding, identifying an accessible and appropriate location, ensuring strong community support, and fostering collaboration among service providers. Participants stressed the importance of avoiding duplication of existing services while creating a model that complements and strengthens the current support system.
Suggested strategies included proactive community engagement, strong advocacy efforts, diversified funding partnerships, integrated service delivery models, and ongoing collaboration among partners.
Looking Ahead
The discussion also generated important questions about governance, operational models, youth engagement, service capacity, and long-term sustainability. Participants emphasized the importance of incorporating youth voices and lived experience into every stage of planning and development.
The overwhelming response from attendees reflected strong support for continuing to explore the concept. During an interactive exercise, participants demonstrated significant enthusiasm for the initiative and a willingness to remain engaged as the project evolves.
The next phase of work will focus on establishing a broader steering committee, creating strategic working groups, conducting additional community outreach, mapping existing services, and developing a detailed implementation plan.
The Halton Police Foundation and Halton Police Board extend their sincere appreciation to all participants who contributed their expertise, insights, and passion during the roundtable discussion. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward building a collaborative solution that will help vulnerable youth find stability, support, and pathways to a brighter future.
We look forward to continuing this important conversation and sharing updates as the initiative progresses.