Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Ontario Supports Crisis Counselling for LGBTQ2S Youth
Investment to Help Young People who are Homeless
Ontario is providing up to $1.5 million over three years for a mental health support crisis services centre in downtown Toronto for LGBTQ2S youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Premier Kathleen Wynne announced this major investment today in Toronto. The drop-in centre, run by Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, provides an array of mental health other services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queen and two-spirited (LGBTQ2S) young people. These services include crisis intervention, mental health and addictions couselling, referrals to housing, and other community supports and culturally sensitive services for Indigenous youth.
The investment will help deliver on Ontario's priority to target youth homelessness, as well as its plan to end chronic homelessness in 10 years. LGBTQ2S youth experience far higher rates of homelessness that other young people. The government's Expert Advisory Panel on Homelessness reported that LGBTQ2S youth often avoid seeking help from services for homeless people because of concerns about homophobia and transphobia.
Providing support for homeless youth is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quick Facts:
- LGBTQ2S youth make up 25 to 40 per cent of homeless youth, far higher than their 5 to 10 per cent share of the youth population.
- Many LGBTQ2S youth face violence and harassment in schools, families and communities that contributes to much higher rates of abuse, addiction, suicide, and poor mental and physical health than among other young people.
- Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, founded in 1995, is Canada's only national charity promoting LGBTQ2S human rights through research, education and community engagement
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"The rate of homelessness among LGBTQ2S youth is unacceptable. Our government is proud to support Egale Canada's groundbreaking project. This mental health support crisis centre offers an accepting and welcoming place to get the kind of help that can make a profound difference in young people's lives."
— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
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