test-june-2026

An innovative initiative in Peel Region aims to break down barriers, eliminate stigma and combat discrimination in housing for Black youth. The evidence-based Bridge of Hope program offers an alternative to shelters by matching youth tenants with host families in the community. The program also surrounds youth with holistic support to help them change their story and discover new possibilities.

This research builds on a program evaluation by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. It supports developing a framework to expand the Bridge of Hope program to better support the increased needs of youth in the community.

Project scope and expected outcomes

Empowering BIPOC youth through housing

As a Black-led, BIPOC-serving organization, the Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition Centre provides youth with access to safe, affordable and sustainable housing. Its evidence-based Bridge of Hope program, the first of its kind in Peel Region, offers an alternative to shelters by matching youth tenants with host families in the community.

Evaluating and expanding the Bridge of Hope model

In 2023, the Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition Centre partnered with the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness to evaluate the Bridge of Hope program. Together, they developed a framework to guide the program’s expansion.

This framework suggests moving the program beyond its home-share model to a structure where the Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition Centre acts as the primary leaseholder. This approach aims to break down barriers, eliminate stigma and combat discrimination in securing housing for Black youth.

Sharing insights and resources

The project team will summarize the evaluation report findings in blog posts and social media content. The team will also create a program model guide, designed to support organizations planning to implement or currently running similar housing models for BIPOC youth.

A series of live webinars through Zoom will connect program staff and community members, allowing them to exchange knowledge. The webinars will be recorded and available for playback on YouTube. Bilingual (English and French) educational resources will offer more information for those interested in supporting BIPOC youth experiencing homelessness.

The project team will share information by publishing blog posts, the research summary and the program model guide on the Homeless Hub of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. The team will also apply best practices in search engine optimization to enhance visibility and promote the content through the weekly Homeless Hub newsletter and social media.

From knowledge to action

A key outcome of this project will be to increase awareness of the Bridge of Hope model. It will also establish guidelines, tools and training for implementing housing programs tailored to BIPOC youth. By making these resources available, the expected results are:

• Increased knowledge among service providers about culturally relevant programming for BIPOC youth.
• Strengthened capacity of other BIPOC-focused organizations to deliver culturally sensitive housing and wraparound services.
• Increased availability of culturally relevant programs for BIPOC youth experiencing homelessness.