Grant Application Spring

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Organization:
Youth Haven (Barrie)

Charitable Registration Number:
133328757RR0001

Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund

Address:
20–22 Wellington St. E
Barrie, Ontario L4N 1T9

Contact Name:
Lucy Gowers

Title:
Executive Director

Email:
lucy@youthhaven.ca

Phone Number:
705-739-7686

Website:
https://youthhaven.ca/

Amount Requested:
$10,000

About the organization:

Youth Haven is the only emergency shelter and wraparound support service in Simcoe County dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness. For more than 35 years, we have served youth ages 16–24 through emergency shelter, transitional housing, outreach, family support, and life skills programming. In 2024–2025, we supported 140 unique youth through 440 shelter stays, helping young people move into transitional housing, independent living, or reunification with family and friends. Youth from across Simcoe County, including the Orillia area, access our trauma-informed, youth-centred services to build safety, stability, and long-term independence

Proposed Project Start Date:
June 1, 2026

Proposed Project End Date:
May 31, 2027

Please briefly describe the project and how the funds will be used:

Youth Haven’s Life Skills Program equips youth experiencing homelessness with essential skills for independent living and stability. Funds will support:
– Budgeting and financial literacy training
– Meal preparation and nutrition workshops
– Hygiene and household management skills
– Employment readiness support

Funding will be used for program supplies, food for hands-on cooking sessions, and learning materials. The program helps youth build daily routines, confidence, and independence, reducing the risk of recurring or chronic homelessness.

More information: https://youthhaven.ca/program-services/#life-strat

How many people will benefit from the project directly and indirectly within the geographic area covered by the CFOA:

150 youth are supported annually through Youth Haven, including youth in Orillia, Ramara, Rama First Nation, Severn, and Oro-Medonte. The project reduces prolonged homelessness, interrupts cycles of crisis and trauma, strengthens pathways to housing, education, and employment, which eases pressure on community services.

Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:

While this program doesn’t have any specific official partners involved in delivery, Youth Haven collaborates with local service providers, municipalities, and community organizations to support youth transitioning out of homelessness. Partners provide referrals, housing pathways, employment connections, and mental health supports. Community donors and volunteers contribute supplies and mentorship, strengthening program delivery and ensuring youth receive coordinated, wraparound support.

Please describe any in kind contributions/volunteer labour connected to this project:

Volunteers support the Life Skills Program by assisting with workshops, mentoring youth, and helping prepare meals during cooking sessions. Community donors provide in-kind contributions such as food, hygiene supplies, and household items. These contributions enhance program quality, reduce costs, and allow Youth Haven to serve more youth effectively.

How will success be evaluated?

Success will be measured through participation tracking, skill development, and outcomes using Youth Haven’s existing data collection. Staff already track youth residing in shelter, transitions to transitional or rental housing, moves to family or friends, family reunifications, employment, school registration or retention, shelter diversions, and care packages provided. Youth progress is also assessed through case management, staff observations, and participant feedback, with indicators including improved budgeting and daily living skills, increased confidence, and greater housing readiness. Youth Haven is committed to reporting measurable outcomes and community impact.

Grant Request Budget

Item:
Program Supplies & Equipment, Curriculum Design & Documentation, External Facilitators / Guest Instructors, Participant Engagement & Community Activities, Staff Support (Planning & Delivery)

Description ( if applicable):
Groceries, hygiene products, household tools, games, recreational materials, Training modules, activity guides, progress tracking tools, Nutritionist, financial literacy trainer, specialized workshops, Outings, transportation, community safety workshops, Coordinator and program support hours (covered by other sources)

$ Amount:
$8,000, $4,000, $5,000, $6,000, $7,000

Total Expenses:
$30,000

Project Funding

Item:
Community Foundation Orillia (CFOA), Other Funding Sources

Description ( if applicable):
Requested funding, Grants, donations, organizational contributions

$ Amount:
$10,000, $10,000

Amount Requested from CFOA:
$10,000

Total Income:
$30,000

Budget Summary

Total Project Expenses:
$30,000

Total Project Income:
$30,000

Attachments

File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM5MnxmaWxlbmFtZTpZb3V0aC1IYXZlbi1Bbm51YWwtUmVwb3J0LTIwMjQtMjAyNS0uZG9jeC0xLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM5NHxmaWxlbmFtZTpZb3V0aC1IYXZlbi1Cb2FyZC1vZi1EaXJlY3RvcnMtRmVicnVhcnktMjAyNC54bHN4LUphbnVhcnktMjAyNC5wZGY=, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM5NXxmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI0LVlvdXRoLUhhdmVuLURlYzI0LUZTLnBkZg==

Name:
Lucy Gowers

Title:
Executive Director

Signature:
Lucy Gowers

Date:
04/06/2026