The Cause

"One of my friends mentioned to me to go to check out ‘Phoenix Centre for Youth,' and I'm telling you nothing in my whole life helped me as much as they did. I had a place to live. I got back into school for the first time since I was thirteen and I got my grade ten."

Phoenix Youth Programs is a non-profit, community based organization located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. We offer at-risk and homeless youth, ages 16 - 24, the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and find a path from the street. Since its inception in 1984, we have developed an extensive variety of programs and services to address the individual needs of each client.

Our primary innovative feature is the continuum of care provided throughout our seven programs including: prevention, crisis assistance, emergency shelter, long-term supportive and structured living, independent living, personal skill development, education, health services, and after care services.

Phoenix Youth Programs has become known in our community as the authority regarding issues of youth homelessness: poverty, housing, discrimination, literacy and the many other social issues that are embedded within the challenge of addressing the needs of the youth we serve.

"I plan on doing great things in the future. My ultimate goal has changed frequently, however, I know that whatever I end up doing, I will succeed in it, and I know I can attribute much of it to the tools that Phoenix Youth programs has given me and shown me how to use."

Vision Statement

We recognize the value of all youth, and strive for a world where they live with dignity, free from oppression, in a healthy, safe environment. We imagine a society where our services are no longer needed.

Mission Statement

We support at-risk and homeless youth within our extended community. Our intent is to break the cycle of homelessness by offering a wide range of programs and services. We strive to be a meaningful presence and a voice for social justice in the lives of the youth we serve.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the organization is to recognize that adult homelessness is a cycle that often begins in adolescence and can lead to a life-long dependence on social assistance. Phoenix Youth Programs has dedicated itself to the belief and the approach that through validation of experience, valuing of the worth, dignity and potential of every human being, and ensuring access to resources, young people who have been marginalized can begin to feel that their efforts to improve their lives can be realized. By offering safe, supportive housing and advocacy, meaningful changes can begin to take place.

"I could never have done it without the help, support, and guidance of the wonderful staff at Phoenix."