ref·uge
/ˈrefˌyo͞oj,ˈrefˌyo͞oZH/
noun:
a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
We Have MOVED!
On March 31st, The Refuge opened its doors to community youth at our 357 Simcoe Street location. We recently received an occupancy permit and the Drop-in portion of the building is now open and we are so happy to welcome youth into the centre.
We are also now ready to being the process of selecting and inviting youth to live in the apartments. We anticipate a move-in date of about three weeks as we clean the units and make the final preparations for move in.
An ‘official’ opening is being planned for May 2025. Stay tuned for details.
Dinner & Cake Auction
Join us for our Annual Dinner and Cake Auction. This year the Dinner will be held on the 24th of May, 2025. The dinner will be catered by our New Leaf Catering Co. (The Refuge catering program that hires our youth). After dinner a live cake auction will take place.
Tickets are $80 each ($25 tax receipt & $25 in ‘Cake Money’ that you can use to purchase a cake) or a table of 8 is $550 ($200 tax receipt and $100 in cake money). Check back often for details.
Since 1999, The Refuge has been working with youth who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of experiencing homelessness, or who are struggling. More than just a place to find breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry facilities, access to clothing and personal hygiene products, as well as housing help, The Refuge is a place where youth can find community, safety, belonging and a renewed hope for their future.
The vision of The Refuge is to see people restored to the truth that they are created in the image of God with gifts, abilities, the capacity to make positive decisions and to affect change in the world around them. We desire to see people reveal God’s glory through careful stewardship of their lives, communities, resources and relationships.
For Youth
Are you a youth wondering what type of things go on at The Refuge and how The Refuge might be able to help you?
For Community Members
Do you represent a business, community group, church or are you an individual interested in learning more about The Refuge and how you can help youth in our community?
CURRENT STATISTICS
Jan 1 – 31, 2025
100
different youth served at The Refuge
1,747
meals and snacks served to youth
960
recorded program interactions
7
New youth (first time at The Refuge)
LAST YEAR'S STATISTICS
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024
554
different youth served at The Refuge
(15% increase over 2023 and 59% over 2022)
28,212
meals and snacks served to youth
(44% increase over 2023)
13,791
recorded program interactions
(42% increase over 2023 and 71% over 2022)
229
New youth (first time at The Refuge)
(7% increase over 2023 and 85% over 2022)
The Refuge
357 Simcoe Street South