Sam* first came to live at YSM’s Genesis Place with a history of trauma.
Genesis Place is a 26-unit building with rent-geared-to-income rentals, where families, youth, and adults who are engaged in YSM’s programs can live for 3 years to support their stabilization as they work on long-term goals.
As Sam slowly began to feel safe with YSM’s staff, he opened up to show a tremendous eagerness to move forward with his future.
Like many of the community members who seek help from YSM’s Housing team, Sam needed guidance and advocacy to push through barriers he was facing, and counselling support as he faced setbacks along the way. With listening and care from YSM’s team, Sam was able to correct issues he was experiencing with his Ontario Disability Support Program, and he successfully applied to college, where he is now beginning a diploma in social services.
YSM’s staff also worked with Sam to find a suitable and affordable place to live long term, a place where he could maintain housing stability as he excels and develops in other areas of his life. When our Housing staff went with Sam to view the apartment, his nervousness was quickly replaced with excitement as he began to imagine how he would decorate. He’s now successfully moved into his new home, and is doing very well as he navigates his new life. Congratulations, Sam!
We can’t control all the barriers our community members face, but thanks to your partnership, we can walk alongside neighbours to provide guidance, advocate for their rights, and clear a pathway toward a stable future. Thank you!
*Community member’s name and image have been changed to protect their privacy. This story originally appeared in the fall 2025 issue of YSM’s quarterly newsletter Urban Lights.