Empowering youth to live independently in the community
The LOFT is a 6 bed short term voluntary supported living environment for males ages 16-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and are committed to sobriety.
Areas of Support
To support the transition to sustainable housing within 6 months, The LOFT provides:
- Daily living and social skills
- Budgeting and financial information
- Communication and advocacy skills
- Conflict management
- Client directed referrals
- Staff support and services 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
Connect to The LOFT
More information: 780.486.7590 | email: loft@myencompass.ca | Referral Form: Click Here – send completed application to the LOFT at loft@myencompass.ca or fax at(780)486-7549 .
The LOFT – Full Program Details
Our Goal
To provide a safe, affordable and supportive living environment. Through individual goal plans, youth at The LOFT will acquire the skills and confidence they need to live independently in the community.
Our Program
- Provides short term supportive housing for 6 males between the ages of 16 – 24 years.
- Serves youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- Supports youth to gain the skills, experience and confidence to live and work independently in the community.
Our Services
Residents enter The LOFT voluntarily and must be committed to developing independent living skills. Through focusing on resiliency, rapport building, and empowerment staff will offer support and guidance in the areas of:
- Daily living skills
- Financial management
- Social skills
- Communication skills
- Conflict management
- Positive community supports
Youth will be supported to move out when they have demonstrated the ability for financial independence, demonstrated independent living skills, maintained meaningful daily activity, and are able to obtain safe, secure and sustainable housing. Approximate length of stay is 6 months.
The LOFT does not charge a fee for service. Residents are expected to participate in an envouraged savings program, where any funds saved are returned to the resident upon transition from The LOFT. The LOFT is funded through Homeward Trust Edmonton.
Admissions Criteria
Residents of The LOFT must be:
- Committed to sobriety.
- Willing and able to work or attend school.
- Willing to live cooperatively with others.
- Willing and able to follow the house rules and expectations.
- Willing to share confidential information with house staff.
- Willing to follow budgeting and banking expectations.
- Willing to participate in an encouraged savings program.
Residents may have a criminal record; however a history of serious or violent crimes can impact eligibility.
As The LOFT operates as a voluntary program, it is important that youth be involved in their application from the beginning. Applicants may self-refer to The LOFT or work with a support person to complete their application. Potential applicants will be asked to complete an in-person interview and a financial assessment to determine suitability. Youth may be placed on a waitlist until a bed becomes available.
Applications are available by contacting The LOFT at 780.486.7590. Potential applicants will be placed on a waitlist until a bed becomes available. Once there is bed availability, staff will review all applications to determine suitability and interview a select number of potential applicants. Applications remain on file for 3 months. Applicants are encouraged to connect with The LOFT periodically to check in.