Building home: Impacts of a Housing First model for youth

This project highlights the importance of understanding the experiences of youth who struggle with homelessness, housing instability and mental health. It provides detailed first-hand reflections of youth experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness, offering insights into important gaps in existing support programs. The research can inform evidence-based programming and supports for youth housing programs. This project also provided an outlet for youth to transform their stories into an art installation.

Read the final report

Project scope and expected outcomes

Key insights from youth on their experiences on homelessness:

• Even when government housing supports meet youth needs for physical safety from violence, they fall short on meeting social and emotional needs.
• Eligibility criteria for government youth support programs often create a barrier to accessing housing.
• There is a need for support and mentorship from healthy adults without the threat of losing any basic needs.
• The lived experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness do not simply disappear once youth have access to stable housing. Many express anxieties around break-ins and theft, in addition to the fear of losing their housing for reasons that are out of their control.

Interactive art installation

Based on the research, an interactive art installation was developed to capture the emotions and experiences of youth experiencing homelessness. The installation was set up in an old public space in Saint John, New Brunswick. It covered an area of 40 by 32 feet, surrounded by walls that were 8 feet tall. A total of 453 visitors attended the installation over the course of 8 days. The research revealed how using art as a form of social action can help reduce stigma in our communities. The installation created awareness and connectedness among the youth in their own city who are experiencing homelessness.

Implications on the housing sector

The research sheds light on the lived experiences of youth experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. It provides an understanding of systemic structures that create barriers to the fulfillment of youth housing needs. This presents key information to enable better informed supports and housing programs for youth. It also helps to destigmatize youth experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness, advancing wellness and connection among the community.

Next steps

• The art installation will be showcased in multiple areas across the province to advance community engagement and the destigmatization of experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness among youth.
• Efforts will continue in collaboration with community partners to advocate for stronger youth housing support services.
• The research findings are published to support engagement and advocacy efforts for an evidence-based Housing First model for youth, informed by first-hand perspectives.