3. Pathways Towards Stability: Young People’s Transitions Off of the Streets

This paper explores the ways in which young people across Canada attempt to get off the streets. The goal of the research was to identify the strategies that young people use and challenges they face in getting off the street in order to inform service providers and policy makers of the experience of transitioning to housing. Findings suggest that there are several connected dimensions to the process of leaving the streets behind including contemplation (thinking about getting off the street), motivation to change, getting help, transitioning from the street, changing daily routine and redefining one’s sense of self. Across these dimensions the organizational structures (e.g., drop-in centers, youth shelters, supportive housing, job training programs, etc.) that are available to youth play a significant role in supporting their exit from street culture.

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Editor(s): 
Gaetz, Stephen
O’Grady, Bill
Buccieri, Kristy
Karabanow, Jeff
Marsolais, Allyson
Publication Date: 
2013
Publisher(s): 
Canadian Observatory On Homelessness