Queen’s Project on International Development (QPID) is proud to announce Collecting with QPID (CwQ) as the rebrand of the campaign formerly known as 5 Days for Youth Homelessness. CwQ is a club-created campaign that is not affiliated with nation-wide 5 Days for Youth Homelessness. As a rebranded campaign, CwQ is an annual, week-long campaign focusing on educating the Kingston and Queen’s community on youth homelessness while raising funds for the Kingston Youth Shelter. CwQ aims to take a more holistic and inclusive approach to focus on the community’s needs.

About the Kingston Youth Shelter

The Kingston Youth Shelter is a supportive and secure environment that guarantees young people between the ages of 16 and 24 receive the assistance they need to move beyond an immediate or ongoing housing crisis. Each year, the shelter houses or supports over 200 youth, with the long-term goal of ensuring that homeless youth do not become homeless adults.

Emergency Services and Daily Support

Located at 113 Lower Union Street and open 365 days a year, the Kingston Youth Shelter offers 21 emergency beds available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a warm place to sleep, nutritious meals, and assistance with basic needs. In addition, the shelter offers counselling services, housing assistance through prevention diversion workers, and family support to help mediate family conflict both within and beyond the shelter system. 

Additional Programs for Youth and Families

These services are complemented by additional programs, including Kingston Youth Transitions and Kingston Youth Families, which support youth and families as they work toward long-term stability and independence. 

The Urgency of Youth Homelessness in Kingston

The work of the Kingston Youth Shelter is especially critical given the realities of youth homelessness both locally and nationally. In Canada, young people account for approximately one in five people living in shelters. Historically, Kingston’s youth homelessness rates have exceeded the national average. Namely, in 2013, one in three shelter residents was between the ages of 15 and 24. While this number declines to one in five by 2017, youth homelessness remains a significant concern. In 2018, 42% of Kingston’s homeless population was under the age of 25, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted youth supports. 

Inequities in Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness in Kingston also reflects broader patterns of inequality. 50% of homeless youth in Kingston identify as female, compared to a national average of approximately 20%. Indigenous and LGBTQ+ youth, including transgender and gender-non-binary individuals, are also disproportionately represented and are more likely to experience homelessness at a younger age. Among youth experiencing homelessness, 21% identify as LGBTQ+, and 65% report having dropped out of school

Why This Support Matters.

Experiencing homelessness at a young age can have profound and lasting effects on a young person’s life. Without consistent support, youth are more vulnerable to mental health struggles, substance use, isolation, and exposure to exploitation, violence, and harm. By offering safety, stability, and compassionate support during a critical moment in a young person's life, the Kingston Youth Shelter plays an essential role in helping youth regain stability, build resilience, and move toward a future grounded in hope, dignity, and opportunity. 

See you on campus soon!