Covenant House Toronto Expands Winter Respite Program to Aid Vulnerable Youth

By: Muqaddas Ashfaq
In the face of Toronto’s growing housing and homelessness crisis, Covenant House Toronto is expanding its Youth winter respite program, a service offering 24/7 support to youth experiencing homelessness. Running from November to April, the program provides a safe place to sleep, meals, and access to healthcare, mental health support, education, and employment resources.

The program includes 30 beds, with the ability to expand to 45 during extra cold weather. It complements Covenant House’s regular programming, which provides 105 round crises shelter beds and supports 205 youth through community-based housing programs.

“I am so proud of the young people and the youth who were involved in the program last year. Our youth went to Respite Program extended care to 150 young people who otherwise had nowhere to go in the winter”, said Mark Aston, Executive director of Covenant House Toronto.

“This program not just providing shelter—it’s a life-saving refuge that connects young people to services that help them move forward and break the cycle of homelessness.”

Last year, Covenant House’s drop-in center saw up to 100 youth daily seeking food, clean clothes, and a safe space, with many arriving in the afternoon looking for somewhere to sleep. The organization also recorded a 35% rise in demand for mental health services.

 

Hidden Homeless

Youth make up approximately 12% of Toronto’s homeless population, with over 1,000 young people in the city’s shelter system each night. However, the true number is likely higher due to hidden homelessness, where youth stay in temporary or unsafe accommodations.
“Winter is especially difficult for young people experiencing homelessness,” Aston added. “Finding warmth, safety, and basic necessities is a daily struggle. Our program not only meets these immediate needs but also helps youth build their future in a caring and supportive environment.”
Initially launched two years ago with donor funding, the Youth Winter Respite Program is now supported by the City of Toronto’s Winter Services Plan. It is the only city-funded program specifically for homeless youth.
“We’re so pleased to partner with Covenant House Toronto to offer youth experiencing homelessness a warm and safe place to stay this winter,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Programs like this are critical to keeping our most vulnerable residents safe as we face increasing demand for shelter and housing in our city.”