Christina Grammenos, Community Engagement Coordinator for Aunt Leah's Place has circulated a brochure and a request to churches to let folks know that they are looking for people with basement suites or other rental unitswho would be willing to help youth as they transition out of the foster care system at 19. Currently, 45% of youth aging out of care experience homelessness within 3 years.
Aunt Leah’s Place in New Westminster has been supporting foster youth for over 25 years and is launching a new initiative to help former foster youth find rental housing across Metro Vancouver called the Friendly Landlord Network. The goal is to give community members with units to rent the opportunity to be part of the solution of providing safe, affordable housing to youth from care. Friendly Landlords who participate in the program receive market rent and ongoing tenancy support from youth-serving organizations. The program brochure in PDF format is available below and this is the link to the relevant information on their website.
Christina would be happy to answer any questions you may have by phone 604-825-8331 or email and would very much appreciate your help in getting the message out to homeowners who might be willing to give someone starting out in life a chance.
The Diocese of New Westminster has a history of ministry with Aunt Leah's. Up until moving our Synod to the Italian Cultural Centre in 2012, Synod planning hired Aunt Leah's to do the catering. A number of Aunt Leah's Christmas Tree sales fundraisers are hosted on the grounds of churches around the diocese.