Last year, I had the opportunity to meet James, a then homeless youth and client of Directions, as we were hosted on Roundhouse Radio before our A Night in the Life fundraiser in April 2017.  He shared what Directions Youth Services means to him. He uses phrases like, 'It wasn't going to be the end of my life'. 'Gave me a life. Showed me some light'. 'They provide food, shelter, they understand what it's like'. (listen to the entire interview here: http://cirh2.streamon.fm/listen-pl-9090).

People like James are why I am participating in my third 'A Night in the Life' fundraiser to benefit Directions Youth Serives on March 7th.  We'll experience, for just one night, what it takes for a young person to survive on Vancouver's streets.

I'll get a tour of the streets from homeless youth themselves, try a homelessness simulator, then spend the night outside. We're raising awareness for and much-needed funds for Directions Youth Services (a division of Family Services of Greater Vancouver).

Most of these kids have had a brutal start in life. They are 3 times more likely to be physically or sexually abused than other youth. They have mental illness and addictions. They have had bad experiences with adults and various government “systems”, so they don’t want to ask for help. Approximately 40% of these young people are aboriginal. Around 30% identify as LGBTQ2S.

These youth may look hardened, but they are actually very vulnerable. This is our opportunity to help influence their lives, continue to provide a safe haven, an ear to listen to them, and a place of safety, shelter, and nourishment.

Directions is "low-barrier". That means they work with the most challenging, troubled youth out there. They feed them. Listen to them. Believe in them. They don't give up on them. They help them get homes and educations. Their methods work, and have helped hundreds youth get off the streets and build good lives for themselves. (See a touching card from a youth they've helped here.)

Please help me help Directions make a difference in these youths’ lives. Just click "Sponsor Me" to make a donation. Every little bit helps.

Thank you for your generosity.