Concert Properties Puts a Roof Over the Heads of Homeless Youth

(L-R) Catherine Diraison, Vice President, Sales, Concert Properties; Kelly Wilson, Vice President, Development, Concert Properties; Wendy Horton, Executive Director, Youth Without Shelter (YWS); Judy Leroux, Development Manager, YWS

The holiday season often conjures up images of beautifully wrapped gifts under a tree by the fire and families traveling long distances to come together and share a meal. However, in the midst of the gift-giving and festivities, many rarely stop to consider the people who may not have a family or a warm bed to sleep in during the holiday season. This year, Concert Properties is turning the spotlight onto the issue of youth homelessness in Etobicoke, Ontario where they have partnered with Youth Without Shelter (YWS) to ensure more youth are able to enjoy a safe and warm bed as the nights get colder and we get closer to the holidays.

For each condominium suite sold at The Kip District’s first building in the master-planned community, Concert Properties has pledged to donate the funds required to provide emergency accommodation for one homeless youth for the equivalent of one month. This is made possible by a partnership with the Youth Without Shelter’s Adopt-A-Bed program. The Adopt-A-Bed program provides youth with a safe bed, three meals and two snacks a day, daily interaction with the Child and Youth Care/Social Service Workers, and personal hygiene products.

“As a developer that prides itself on making a difference within communities where we live and work, we’re happy to give back to the Etobicoke community in particular by providing shelter and support to some of those who need it most,” says Concert Properties President and CEO Brian McCauley.

Youth Without Shelter is Etobicoke’s only emergency residence serving homeless youth between the age of 16 and 24. In addition to food and shelter, the YWS is staffed by a group of teachers and guidance counsellors that are available to provide support to the temporary residents. Frustrated by the lack of resources and support programs available to homeless youth, the YWS’ dedicated employees provide support, build confidence, teach life-skills, and assist youth in finding long-term stable housing and jobs. “We were drawn to Youth Without Shelter because of the incredible amount of support and services they provide for homeless youth located in Etobicoke and across the GTA,” says McCauley.

Since opening in 1986, the YWS has been able to assist over 14,000 homeless youth in acquiring life skills, finding educational opportunities, locating long-term stable housing, and obtaining permanent jobs. “Together with Concert Properties, we’re breaking the cycle of homelessness and assisting each youth as they journey to a life of self-sufficiency,” explains YWS Executive Director Wendy Horton. The YWS is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for any youth seeking safe emergency housing.

The Adopt-A-Bed sponsorship falls under Concert Properties’ CommunityWorks initiative, which seeks to contribute to not-for-profit causes, parks and recreation, and education and training programs. The project looks for opportunities for Concert Properties to make investments in socially conscious community development projects, such as Adopt-A-Bed, and get involved in the community-oriented activities. In the past, Concert Properties has delivered “holiday hampers” to the needy in Vancouver’s East side, built homes for Toronto’s Habitat for Humanity, conducted food drives for local food banks, gathered clothing for the homeless, and established bursaries for trade scholarships.

One at The Kip District - via Concert Properties

The Kip District

The Kip District will be Concert Properties’ second master-planned community in Etobicoke at Kipling and Dundas Street West. Comprised of five sleek towers, 1,300 condominium homes, and a central square, The Kip District’s thoughtful design puts it at the centre of retail, amenities, and green spaces, in the heart of an emerging neighbourhood in Etobicoke.

One is the first building in the master-planned community; it will reach 28 storeys and be equipped with a host of environmentally friendly features. Low flow toilets, motion-controlled smart lighting in the common areas, and high efficiency appliances and heating and cooling systems demonstrates Concert’s commitment to ensuring each project meets LEED Gold standards. The building also has charging stations for vehicles, water efficient landscaping irrigation, a green roof, and recycling and composting programs to help residents reduce their ecological footprint.

One is also equipped with a number of amenities to meet everyday needs including a pet washing station, and fitness centre. For those who enjoy entertaining, the condominium is well-equipped with everything needed to host a few friends or an entire event. One features a rooftop party room, catering kitchen, bar, lounge, outdoor BBQs, theatre room, and a guest suite where friends can lay their head after a long evening. Families and active residents will also love the site’s proximity to the splashpad at Michael Power Park, the outdoor tennis courts at Cloverdale Park, and Neilson park, home to baseball diamonds and the Neilson Park Creative Centre

The beautifully landscaped central square will connect One with the other four towers in The Kip District, and will be the site of community events, Farmers’ markets, and outdoor concerts. The ground level will be occupied by boutiques and cafes so residents can grab a coffee and wander into the square for a picnic.

Downtown Toronto is easily accessible as The Kip District is just steps away from the Kipling TTC Station and the Go Transit Milton line. Commuters can reach Union in 20 minutes by Go Train or 25 minutes by TTC.

Those interested in learning how to get involved at Youth Without Shelter can find more information here, while those who would like to find out more about The Kip District be sure to register here.