Ontario Construction News staff writer
A significant step forward has been made in the efforts to support at-risk youth in Simcoe County. Lafarge Canada is donating $30,000 worth of concrete to help build a new, purpose-built facility for Youth Haven, the region’s only emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness.
Youth Haven currently supports up to 300 young people annually, but the existing shelter is no longer adequate. Recognizing the need for a safer and more functional space, the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association (SCHBA) has initiated the construction of a new facility that will offer temporary housing and vital wrap-around services to help youth transition into permanent housing.
“This project is an opportunity to make a lasting impact,” said Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Lafarge Canada (East). “We’re proud to contribute to such an essential initiative that aligns with our vision of community development and building progress through sustainable construction materials.”
Youth Haven provides more than just a roof over their clients’ heads. The organization also offers outreach services to vulnerable youth in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, southern Georgian Bay, and south Simcoe, helping them secure stable housing and access critical resources. With a new facility, they’ll be better equipped to deliver the comprehensive care needed to support at-risk youth.
The new Youth Haven shelter-building initiative aligns with Lafarge’s Housing Transition Program, under its People and Planet Fund initiative. The housing transition program aims to utilize Lafarge’s products to improve housing conditions and provide a pathway to better living situations for individuals in communities across Eastern Canada.
“We are honoured to play a role in building a space that will provide safety, support and hope for young people in need. This project embodies what progress looks like, combining community effort and innovative solutions to create a brighter future,” said Grayham Thomson, Southwest Ontario General Manager, Ready Mix for Lafarge Canada (East).
The Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association (SCHBA) is spearheading the construction of the new Youth Haven facility. Sandy Tuckey, Executive Officer of the SCHBA, highlights the urgent need for a modern facility to accommodate the growing number of homeless youth in the region.
Sandy Tuckey, Chief Executive Officer at the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to support the Youth Haven build and see the incredible collaboration between businesses like Lafarge and our community. Together, we are creating a brighter future and providing a safe space for youth to thrive.”
Pamela Jack, Area Sales & Key Accounts Manager, Simcoe/Muskoka Region, for Lafarge Canada (East), adds, “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our concrete will be used to create a safe and supportive environment for youth in need.”
To find out more about Lafarge Canada’s People and Planet Fund, visit their website, stop by the Barrie plant at 275 Saunders Road, or call (705) 734-5878.