A 6-month Supported Housing Program Empowering Youth to Live Independently

Who it’s for:
Youth (aged 16-24) seeking to transition from houselessness to independent living, all genders

Contact:
To apply, call 780.486.7590 or email us

Referrals:
Self-referral

The LOFT is a six-bed short-term voluntary supported living environment. It is FREE for youth 16-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Residents must be committed to sobriety. Note: The LOFT IS NOT wheelchair accessible.

Download a Referral Form 

Click below for our downloadable referral form. Please complete and submit by email.

Download Referral Form

Program Goals

  • To provide a safe, affordable and supportive living environment.
  • To help youth acquire the skills and confidence they need to live and work independently in the community.
  • To support youth to develop the financial independence and independent living required to move out on their own.
  • Provide a supportive environment that provides meaningful daily activity.
  • Support clients to obtain safe, secure and sustainable housing once they leave.

Areas of Support

Individuals enter The LOFT voluntarily and must be committed to developing independent living skills. They are expected to participate in an encouraged savings program, where any funds saved are returned to the resident upon transition from The LOFT. 

Available On-Site Services

Through focusing on resiliency, rapport building, and empowerment staff will offer support and guidance in the following areas:

  • Daily living and social skills
  • Budgeting and financial information
  • Case planning, crisis planning and SMART goal development
  • Communication and advocacy skills
  • Conflict management
  • Client directed referrals
  • Staff support and services 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
  • Recreation opportunities
  • Life skills coaching
  • Career and educational upgrading information
  • Referral and connection to natural and professional supports
  • Opportunities to participate in cultural traditions
  • A safe place to call home

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 be open and honest 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.

90% of youth successfully transitioned from The LOFT.

100% reporting an increased awareness of how to manage the risks associated with their lifestyle choices. (2024)

How to Apply

As The LOFT operates as a voluntary program, it is important that the youth seeking residency 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.
  • 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.

Completion of the Program

Residents will be supported to move out when they have demonstrated the capacity for financial independence, independent living skills, maintained meaningful daily activity, and can obtain safe, secure and sustainable housing.  The approximate length of stay is six months.

Our Program Partner

Operated by enCompass. Funded by Homeward Trust.