The holiday season is a time of warmth and celebration for many, but for young people in our community facing food insecurity, mental health challenges, and housing instability, it can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

Choices for Youth, which has housing units for about 100 young people, has a wait list of around 200 any given time.

The organization has launched its annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign, a time when they put an extra push on so that people trying to get a start in life have the supports necessary, such as a safe, stable and affordable place to stay.

Jen Crowe, the executive director of Choices, says it’s very difficult to maintain a stable job or stay in school if you’re couch surfing.

She points to a report by End Homelessness St. John’s which estimates that homelessness in metro has tripled over the past year.

“Over the last 12 months 81 per cent of the youth who came to us because they’re homeless have been able to find and maintain stable housing,” says Crowe. “But we want to get that to 100 per cent.”

They’re asking for donations of all types of items, plus gift cards or cash.