Another 360 Experience is over. Approximatley 30 Community leaders volunteered to participate in a scenario of a Homeless Youth. Some were sent to Holland Landing, some to Markham, some to Vaughan and some to downtown Toronto to a shelter. They all had a bus ticket and $6. As always it was an enlightening experience that helps us to be able to begin to understand the challenges that an estimated 300 youth face in York Region each night. Each of the 3 years that I have participated in this event it always strikes me that youth should never be about seeking shelter each night. It should be about growing, learning and figuring out a young person’s place in the world.
Riding the Viva Bus to Holland Landing to find a Shelter Bed
Outside Belinda’s Place in Newmarket
Staying Warm at a Tim Horton’s at 2AM
Staying Warm and getting a nap in an ATM Kiosk
Staying Warm
A warm and dry place for a nap
Waiting for the Bus to get to a shelter in Vaughan made even more difficult with a baby
When no warm place is available a sleeping bag and a tarp needs to suffice
When no warm place is available a sleeping bag and a tarp needs to suffice