July 8, 2021, By: NewmarketToday Staff, Original Article
Blue Door is excited to partner with the Aurora, Bradford and Newmarket Home Depot locations once again this year for the Orange Door Campaign.
Funds raised this summer are in support of Blue Door’s new INNclusion Program, which provides supportive and transitional housing for 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness for up to one year — the first of its kind in York Region.
The Orange Door Campaign runs to Aug. 1. The Home Depot Canada Foundation is committed to helping prevent and put an end to youth homelessness in Canada. One in five Canadians experiencing homelessness are youth, making youth homelessness one of the most urgent social issues facing Canadians today.
Through the Orange Door Campaign initiatives, the foundation has pledged $50 million by the end of 2022 to improve housing options, support life-skills development programs, and invest in research that ensures funding is directed to the most effective solutions designed to help youth build brighter futures.
Forced into homelessness to escape the identity-based abuse experienced at home, youth are often searching for safety. Prior to INNclusion, there were no safe housing options for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in York Region and even the streets and emergency housing programs are often filled with discrimination.
The INNclusion Program provides safe, stable housing for four youth who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ group. Studies suggest Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ youth make up between 25 to 40 per cent of all homeless youth and face many challenges including financial hardship, employment barriers, family breakdown, mental illness and lack of safety and security.
Specific programming is needed to address these complex challenges and help youth find support, employment, and stable housing. A Blue Door peer support worker works directly with youth to address these challenges and prepare for successful and safe independent living.
“We see this population suffering everyday. To provide hope and support Blue Door launched INNclusion earlier this year, which now offers safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to heal from trauma, escape homelessness, and thrive in their community,” says Michael Braithwaite, CEO of Blue Door.
Customers can donate $2 in store or online at orangedoorproject.ca and 100 per cent of the funds will benefit Blue Door.
About Blue Door
Blue Door has been serving the York Region population for over 39 years, providing supports including housing, health and employment for families, men, women, children, and youth that are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For the past few years, Blue Door has been a charity partner with Home Depot and when you donate to the Orange Door Project Campaign at the Newmarket, Aurora or Bradford Home Depot stores, every dollar supports the work we do here at Blue Door.