On 7 October 2026, from 15:30 CEST, the Housing First Europe Hub and the Canadian Housing First Network organised the third 2026 webinar in the International Housing First Webinar Series, focusing on Housing First for Youth (HF4Y). Experts from Europe and Canada shared insights into their work implementing and developing Housing First for Youth.
The discussion focused on the evidence and research underpinning HF4Y, the importance of building partnerships across different sectors – including child protection and youth services – and approaches to preventing homelessness among young people. Speakers shared findings and practical experiences from their work, reflecting on how Housing First for Youth can contribute to more coordinated and effective responses to youth homelessness.
Speakers:
- Connel McKenna, Senior Operational Lead – Housing First, Simon Community Northern Ireland
- Maritt Kirst, Associate Professor in Community Psychology and Co-Director of the Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action (CCRLA) at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Heidi Walter, Program Design & Training Consultant, A Way Home Canada
- Dr. Steve Gaetz, President and CEO, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (discussant)
Watch the full recording of the webinar below: