The B.C. Coalition to End Youth Homelessness published its second Special Report on COVID-19 and youth homelessness in July 2020. The report recommends unique, youth-centred ways to increase income levels for youth at risk of homelessness and the development of a BC Youth Housing Action Plan that provides a continuum of housing and access to rental subsidies. The report also recommends increasing youth safety and security online to mitigate risks of exploitation and online bullying.
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Poverty and economic inequality
Housing
Recommendation 11: Increase access to shelters and provide youth with a safe place to be all night, especially if a second wave of COVID-19 hits. Youth recommend integrating places to isolate within youth shelters.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 12: Develop a Youth Housing Plan for each youth aging out with all the supports youth need to succeed. MCFD should provide one-year of after-care support.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 13: Increased flexibility around the timeline when a youth needs to leave care. There should be no hard and fast deadlines or cut-off because a youth is nineteen. Youth are facing extraordinary challenges in transition planning, so need time to secure permanent housing.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 14: Work with service providers to ensure youth have support to secure housing and receive ongoing, in-person life-skills support gain “adulting skills” in order to sustain housing.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 15: Provide youth with increased subsidies for housing related items as it is challenging to access the thrift store and buy housing items such as utensils or furniture.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 16: Ensure every youth aging out has a SIN card and photo ID. Youth are reporting challenges in accessing ID during the pandemic.-
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Youth in and from the foster care system
Recommendation 20: Ensure each youth has stable income, so they are able to afford housing ongoing.-
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Mental health
Recommendation 31: Low-barrier support that provides drop in programming or short, easy life-skills workshops such as budgeting, employment, career training, mental wellness, and social activities. Youth recommend non-clinical activities such as walking with a community support worker.-
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Education
Recommendation 54: Education should be subsidized and the province should provide opportunities for project-based learning and apprenticeships. Youth recommend having basic education courses online to support literacy and numeracy development.-
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Education
Recommendation 56: Provide increased access to post-secondary scholarships and bursaries. Youth report a need for support to be available to youth who are waiting for Canadian status.-
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