Youth represent one of the fastest growing sub-populations of the homeless in Canada. The vast majority of homeless youth have not completed high school which limits opportunities to secure training and employment, accessible, affordable and suitable housing.
Many experience physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse, violence and substance abuse, mental illness and family instability. Homeless youth are more likely to get sick and die on the streets, and often perceive violence as a means of resolving conflict, threatening harm to themselves and others, leading to involvement with the justice system. The longer youth remain homeless, the worse their chances for a better future become.
Virgin Unite, in partnership with Virgin Mobile, their members, and friends, is on a mission to make a difference.
Over the last few years, we've partnered with some incredible people to raise money, develop programs and lend a hand to thousands of youth across the country to get them back on their feet and into a better, brighter future.
Here are some of the things we've been up to...