Eligibility: Youth between the ages of 16-30 years old; Living in Toronto; Homeless or precariously housed (housed but often struggling or unable to meet the daily necessities of life)
Delivery: Virtually and In-Person
Fee: Free
Program dates: Year-round
Program description
WoodGreen Community Services operates the Youth Housing Navigator (YHN) program, which aims to support young individuals aged 16-30 in Toronto by helping them find and maintain safe and affordable housing. Through this program, a dedicated staff person assesses applicants’ financial health and employment situations to determine suitable housing options within a realistic and sustainable price range. Short-term subsidies may be provided based on the unit’s cost and the applicant’s income, ensuring long-term affordability.
Drop-in Assistance
The YHN program offers drop-in housing resource navigation support at the Youth Wellness Centre located at 815 Danforth Avenue, 3rd floor. These drop-in sessions take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., excluding holidays. The support is available to all youth aged 16-30, regardless of whether they are already enrolled in the program.
Housing Workshops and Rent Smart Certification
These events occur multiple times during the year on the 1st and 3rd floors at 815 Danforth, as well as in various community settings. Information and promotional materials for these workshops are typically distributed 6-8 weeks prior to the event.
If you are interested in learning more about these workshops, Rent Smart certification, or exploring potential partnerships with the program in the community, please contact the manager via email at [email protected].
Supporting resources
Service Provider Information Package
Learn more details about the Service Provider Information Package
“Getting the housing subsidy helped me to get out of debt and save some money for emergencies. One of my goals was to return to university to continue my education. I started attending school in September 2022 and successfully became a permanent resident of Canada. Thank you!”
A.C
Client
“It has been a big deal for me receiving help and assistance with work and school, as well as financial assistance and helping me to set goals and plans for my future. The support from the case worker has been consistent and so helpful. I am glad that I am a part of the program.”
T.K.
Client
“I'm very thankful for the services WoodGreen has provided me and my 16-year-old sister. We were struggling to find and secure housing, and WoodGreen helped us make ends meet where we couldn't on our own. I'm extremely grateful and would probably not have a roof over my head right now if it wasn't for the help I’ve received.”
How you can support
Every gift makes a lasting difference in our community
This program is also offered in community settings
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday and Thursdays 11 AM – 7 PM
Related programs
Online
Youth Wellness Centre (YWC)
The Youth Wellness Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space offering a range of services, including financial counselling, settlement programs, mental health support and access to community-based services to find supportive housing and employment opportunities.
The Youth Wellness Subsidy Support Program is a specially tailored initiative for young individuals access appropriate and culturally sensitive mental health support.
Intakes are primarily offered virtually or telephonically
Must be 16 to 30 years old and residing in Toronto; Currently or previously associated with a children's aid society (please check the program description for more information)
Ìdàgbà Rites of Passage is a guided process supporting Black youth (age 12 – 24) as they transition into adulthood. Our African-oriented approach emphasizes cultural and community connections and nurtures a greater sense of purpose, responsibility and resilience.
In-person
Youth of African descent or identify as black (age 12-29)
Designed for youth who are new to Canada, this program offers recreational, skill-building and mental health services, working with young newcomers as they make friends and settle into their new home.
Employment Accessibility Services for Persons with Disabilities - EAS
This program assists post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Our team aims to reduce disability-related barriers to employment while supporting clients to achieve their goals.
WoodGreen offers free Pre-Apprentice and Trades Programs, catering to newcomers and those facing employment barriers to provide a pathway to high-demand trades. Participants undergo assessments for grade 12 Math and English and engage in Academic Upgrading to develop essential communication and numeracy skills for entry into skilled trades.
In partnership with George Brown College, this 15-week skills training program provides newcomers and jobseekers with an opportunity to start their skilled trades career in plumbing. Participants will have access to additional supports to assist them with their training throughout the program.
Personalized Career Accelerator (for Newcomers to Canada)
The Personalized Career Accelerator program (formerly known as Mentoring Pathways to Employment) helps skilled newcomers to succeed in a Canadian job search and connects them with a mentor with shared experiences who can support their journey.
Youth Job Connection (YJC) serves youth aged 15 – 29 who experience multiple or complex barriers to employment. The program provides more intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities.
Funded by the United Way Greater Toronto, Foundations for Youth Success is designed for youth experiencing multiple or complex barriers to education and employment. Building on activities offered through the Youth Job Connection program, it aims to equip participants with the life skills needed to successfully engage in employment or employment readiness programs.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to prepare women and gender-diverse individuals for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. The program includes Academic Upgrading, CNC/Precision Machining training, and the opportunity for a paid job placement.
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program
This free program equips students with skills related to the millwright trade, which involves installing, maintaining, diagnosing and repairing industrial machines. Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, the program includes trade readiness, employment preparation and academic upgrading.
This VFX training program is designed to give Black youth a competitive edge as they launch careers in digital compositing. Over 23 weeks, participants gain the knowledge and experience necessary to find post-production work. Training includes a six-week paid internship.
