Shelterlink Youth Services has helped unhoused youth in Stratford and Perth county since 1991.
The organization hosts a 24/7 support shelter for youth ages 16 to 24, and the facility on Youngs Street can accommodate up to 15 unhoused youth at a time.
The mission is to support youth experiencing homelessness, or are at risk of homelessness, through prevention, advocacy, shelter and communication connection services.
Natalie Weinheimer, Development and Community Engagement Manager, expressed gratitude to donors supporting the shelter for more than three decades.
“Thank you to our whole community and everyone who supports us and donates and everything, just it means so much to both us and the youth we serve, our board, everyone, so thank you to Stratford and Perth County,” said Weinheimer.
Services were recently added for youth ages 14 and 15 and there is now housing-focused shelter, to get youth housed as quickly as possible.
Catherine Grayer, Shelter Services Manager, says community donors have helped.
“We’ve been very lucky with our community in terms of donations, you know, whether its food for the youth or monetary donations,” said Grayer.
To learn more about the organization, visit Shelterlink.org.
