We believe that all youth deserve opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential.
At the BGC Niagara, we work to prevent youth homelessness through specific initiatives in support of vulnerable young people and their families. Through our short term and transitional housing services, we provide temporary or urgent support for youth who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.
With the goal of helping youth gain the skills to return to their families or to live independently in the community, our programs offer a comprehensive support system to help youth permanently end their experience of unstable housing or homelessness. Nightlight Youth Services is located at 5519 Ontario Ave. in Niagara Falls, offering residential programs for youth and young adults ages 16-30 which provide a safe, supervised, and supportive environment.
Short Term Residence
Short Term residence is for youth who are homeless or are without secure stable housing. The residence provides youth experiencing homelessness with temporary shelter and basic needs, as well as a comprehensive support system including 24-hour staffing and intake, access to community resources and the implementation of various Development Programs.
Designed to assist youth in reuniting with their families or finding alternative living arrangements, Development Programs enable youth to work toward independent living through education, employment support, money management, recreation, healthy living and life skill development.
Who Can Access?
- Youth ages 16-30
- Male, Female & Non-Binary
How Can I Contact?
Nightlight programs are open 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. Call us at 905-358-3678.
Youth Transitional Housing
For youth requiring long-term support, the BGC Niagara’s Nightlight Youth Transitional Housing programs provide customized support to assist each youth based on their individual needs.
Our 8-bed residence offers more independence but includes staff support to encourage and empower youth to build competencies and build life skills. The goal of the program is to prepare residents for independence and to strengthen their capacity for success as self-sufficient members of our community.
Who Can Access?
- Youth ages 16-30
- Youth working towards adult self-sufficiency
- Male only
How Can I Contact?
Nightlight programs are open 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. Call us at 905-358-3678.
Prevention & Outreach
Prevention and Outreach programs at the Nightlight Youth Services offer support and advocacy to vulnerable youth and their families.
Youth who have transitioned into the community may continue to access Aftercare Support Services. Some examples of these services include access to a phone, internet, supportive counseling, housing search assistance, and resume building.
Aftercare Support Services provide a holistic and flexible approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable youth which includes:
- Advocacy and support for system navigation and facilitated referrals.
- Support to identify, reunify, develop, and/or sustain a positive network of family and/or natural supports.
- One-on-one support to decrease vulnerability and build life skills.
- Connecting youth to safe, stable housing that is developmentally and culturally appropriate.
The Youth Mentorship Program is available for youth who have been involved with our programs and have demonstrated an ability to live self-sufficiently and have a willingness to help others. By learning to co-facilitate programming with staff, youth are able to develop leadership skills and provide support to other program participants. This enables youth to develop new skills, give back to the program, and become a leader among their peer group.
Nightlight Youth Services also offers a variety of development, recreation, and life skills programming on a daily basis. Staff work closely with youth to develop goals and assist youth in achieving these goals. As well, Nightlight Youth Services offers a confidential meeting space where youth can meet with workers and outreach services and programs on site.
Who Can Access?
Nightlight Youth Services work with youth and young adults who are at risk of experiencing homelessness up to the age of 30. This includes those sleeping in rough shelters or couch-surfing, not connected to supports and services, at risk of, or involved in sexual exploitation, and/or those who may not have a positive natural support network.
How Can I Contact?
Nightlight programs are open 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. Call us at 905-358-3678.
Volunteers and Placement Students have the opportunity to learn and develop skills while working in a safe environment with qualified staff supervision. Nightlight Youth Services provides placement opportunities to students from several college and university programs. Please contact us for more information.
Generously Supported by:
