Mississauga celebrated the grand opening of the brand-new REST House on Thursday, a housing project designed to combat homelessness among Black youth in Peel Region.
Led by the Black-centered charity REST Centres (Restoration And Empowerment For Social Transition), the initiative addresses the significant percentage of homeless individuals in Peel Region who are young Black people aged 15 to 24. The REST House, owned by REST, offers subsidized housing to these individuals in partnership with Peel Region’s homelessness database.
Founder and executive director Dagma Koyi expressed excitement about this milestone for the REST Centre, highlighting the collaborative effort with the region to provide support to youth on the By Name List. Through culturally responsive wraparound services, including case management, employment assistance, and mental health support, REST aims to empower young residents.
Diana Otieno, a 22-year-old beneficiary of the program, shared her journey of mental health struggles due to unstable housing situations since moving to Canada four years ago. The $1.4 million grant from Peel Region’s Reaching Home program made this housing project a reality, offering a safe haven for youth like Otieno to work towards independence without worrying about survival.
With plans to accommodate more youth in the future, the REST House stands as a beacon of hope, providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable young individuals to thrive.