About Us

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Durham Youth Services is passionate about ending youth homelessness in Durham Region.

Since 2008 we’ve operated Joanne’s House to provide safe shelter for youth experiencing homelessness. And, while we remain Durham’s only youth-focused emergency shelter, today we offer so much more! We are a registered charity with programs and wrap-around supports focused on youth homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and housing stabilization.

We work with youth to achieve lasting solutions to their housing crisis because everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home.

Our Guiding Principles are rooted in  the successful Housing First for Youth model. These principles provide the foundation for everything we do.

  1. A Right to Housing with No Preconditions
  2. Youth Choice, Youth Voice, and Self-determination
  3. Positive Youth Development and Wellness orientation
  4. Individualized, Client-driven Supports with no Time Limits
  5. Social Inclusion, Community Integration, and Family and Natural Supports

OUR IMPACT

Years in Operation

Distinct Programs that help youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness

%

Helping youth find safe housing without needing to access the shelter system

%

Of youth who wanted to return home, were able to with our support

Totals above based on Apr. 1, 2022 to Mar. 30, 2023 fiscal year.

Check out our 2022-2023 Annual Impact Report for more details about how we make a difference to our clients and community.

Click picture to open the report.

A lot has changed in my life since I’ve worked with Durham Youth Services I’ve moved our of my previous situation, I have a new place to stay, I have found employment which is good and I am on the right track with what I want to do with my life.

Greg

DYS Youth

I was surprised by the amount of one on one support I got. And everyone being able to accomodate me being trans, and allowing me my own space a lot of the time. That helped me greatly because I do suffer from a lot of mental health conditions.

Micah

DYS Youth

I have dealt with a lot of different organizations through my whole life, so I’ve had a lot of workers, but I feel Durham Youth Services was the best one in terms of people and dealing with problems efficiently.

Elizabeth

DYS Youth

Names and photos associated with quotes have been changed to preserve confidentiality.