Travelling from Canada, it’s always incredible to connect with colleagues from different countries, including other A Way Home coalitions, and learn how they’re moving their work forward to prevent and end youth homelessness. These three days offered so many opportunities to learn, reflect, and have conversations that I’ll carry home with me.
What stayed with me most was how young people shared their experiences. They challenged us with kindness and honesty to think about how we show up, what we need to do differently, and what meaningful support looks like to them. There was recognition that people are trying hard, alongside an invitation to consider whether doing things differently might have a greater impact. That takes courage to say, and it asks us to listen without immediately explaining or defending our work.
Shadows United brought the relationship between housing and human connection to life. Their words, “A house becomes a home when we are together,” have stayed with me. Having a place to live matters. So does having people beside you, knowing you belong, and feeling that your community cares. They didn’t just tell us this; they showed us through their performance.
I also reflected on our Housing First for Youth work with young people leaving care. Since beginning that journey in Canada in 2018, we’ve spent years learning alongside young people about what supports lasting stability. Housing alone is not enough. Young people need relationships, opportunities, and support that responds to their lives, including connections that remain long after professionals step away.
Matt Downie’s presentation brought a sense of urgency. His challenge to question what isn’t working, speak up about ideas we haven’t had the courage to share, and use our leadership to try something different felt especially relevant. People experiencing homelessness today cannot wait for us to get everything right tomorrow.
There were also many conversations about prevention and diversion. I appreciated hearing how different communities understand these ideas and put them into practice. How do we respond earlier? How do we strengthen relationships and support safe options in the community before shelter becomes necessary?
On the train heading home, a colleague and I reflected on the comfort of knowing we’re not alone in this work. Across countries, we’re facing many of the same challenges. That doesn’t make those challenges acceptable, but there’s reassurance in knowing others understand and that we can learn from and support one another as we work to change things.
I’m leaving with new connections and questions to bring into our training and work alongside communities. Are we making enough room for young people to shape our responses? Are we investing in belonging alongside housing? And are we willing to change our approach when what we hear asks something different of us?
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About the Author:
Heidi Walter
A Way Home Canada