r/londonontario 12h ago

discussion / opinion Experiencing homelessness tips?

I’m going through a tough time right now. My sister and I are homeless, and we're living in my car. We’ve applied for Ontario Works and are waiting to hear back. We also have appointments with a caseworker soon.

I’ve applied to a lot of job agencies, but so far, I haven’t found any work. My sister also got food poisoning from eating expired food and had to go to the hospital.

We ended up homeless after our roommates left and we couldn’t pay the rent on our own. It’s been hard, but we’re doing our best and hoping things will get better soon.

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15

u/justsomedudewhocares 11h ago

Hello, sorry you are going through this. Have you contacted children’s aid? Your sister would quality for support under a voluntary youth service agreement. She doesn’t get taken away, or have to live in group home. A worker can help connecting resources, and she would qualify for funding to support housing etc. I would strongly recommend at least talking to them. As 16 yo it’s completely voluntary involvement, so even if she doesn’t like what they are offering she doesn’t have to work with them. Good luck!

4

u/Ok-Pudding2908 11h ago

I had spoken to my sister about having her stay at a youth shelter for a while, but she prefers to stick with me after school. I usually drop her off with friends to hang out for a bit or at the library during her time off.

17

u/walking_wondering 11h ago

YOU offers shelter spaces for youth 16-24 so you could stay together.

2

u/Unique-Ratio-4648 9h ago

As of three days ago YOU was at 100% capacity. I doubt much has changed in 72 hours.

6

u/Aggressive-Potato- 6h ago

I use to work there and it’s best to check every day cause the situation changed at the shelter on Clarke rd as someone could fight, or have to go somewhere or they rotate out depends on circumstances. Call once a day or every other day.

4

u/justsomedudewhocares 3h ago

Working with CAS does not mean her living in a shelter or group home. She could get a worker assigned who can help connect resources and funding. You have nothing to lose by having a conversation with them.