Are you a high school student in the YPI program?
The Refuge is grateful that you are considering our charity for your YPI project. We believe that you are a part of the solution to youth poverty and homelessness. The only difference between you and the youth who come to The Refuge for help and hope is circumstance. Just as you had no power to choose your parents, community and culture, neither did the youth who come to The Refuge. We all need to work together because homelessness hurts and it is unjust. Thanks for helping combat homelessness in this way.
Below you will find answers to the most common questions asked by YPI students over the years. If you would like more information or to visit The Refuge in person, please scroll to the end of this page to request a meeting date and time.
What makes The Refuge different from other charities?
While The Refuge provide for basic and emergency needs such as meal programs, housing programs, access to food, personal hygiene products and clothing; and so much more, at the heart of the programs of The Refuge is a desire to build real, honest and caring relationships with the youth who come here. We endeavour to be a community where you are loved, nurtured, encouraged, safe and belong.
Who are the youth served at The Refuge?
The Refuge works with homeless, street, at-risk, and struggling youth aged 16-26. On average, 30% of the youth have no home nor place to live. The remaining 70% may have an apartment, room or other living arrangement but struggle with other aspects of live such as affording food or other basic needs. Historically, 92% of the youth who come to The Refuge have been abused in the past, many growing up without family or in neglect.
What programs and services are available at The Refuge?
To find out what regular programs and services The Refuge offers, please visit our programs page.
How and when was The Refuge founded?
The Refuge was created by Dave Peppiatt in 1999. Dave obeyed God’s calling in his life to reach out to homeless youth as he was driving by Memorial Park in downtown Oshawa one day. He noticed that many young people were simply hanging around and rather than just wondering, the next day he returned to ask them why they were not in school or at home. He heard stories of abuse, neglect and stories of youth with nowhere to go. He returned again with a lighter and a deck of cards to build relationships with the youth…and thus The Refuge was born.
From there, The Refuge began as the youth program of Gate 3:16 and operated on Friday nights in this capacity for a few years. However, in 2002, when Gate 3:16 announced that they would be closing their doors for a few months, Dave and others responded by registering The Refuge as a seperate charity and launched The Refuge in June, 2002.
How many youth have come to The Refuge?
Each year The Refuge serves between 450-500 different youth who come into the facilities of The Refuge just under 10,000 times. Since 1999, more than 4,000 different youth have come to The Refuge for help and for community.
How many volunteers work at The Refuge and what do they do?
We have approximately 25 core volunteers who come each week to cook the meals, interact with the youth and to provide a fun, caring environment. Outside of that hundreds of special event volunteers donate their time and talents for events like the Durham 1/4 Marathon, Coldest Night of the Year, Day of Change, Ride for Refuge and the annual Refuge Christmas Party for the youth. Other volunteers come in occasionally to fix equipment, bring in food from other agencies and sit on the board of directors.
How many volunteers work at The Refuge and what do they do?
The Refuge employs full and part time staff. To meet our staff please scroll at the bottom of our [For Community] page.
Does The Refuge have any fundraising events?
The Refuge hosts a variety of events. Please visit our special events page for more information.
What percentage of donations go to the programs and services for the youth?
100%
What are The Refuge's goals for the next 5 years
1. To provide an affordable housing program.
2. To acquire a new facility that will meet the emerging needs of the youth in a new and exciting way.
3. To partner with local school board to engage in prevention style programs to keep youth off the streets and out of homelessness.
If our group wins, what will The Refuge do with the $5,000?
It is difficult to continue on, find renewed hope for the future, and to take the next steps in progressing towards goals and plans if one does not have access to food. Food is one of our most basic needs. Each year The Refuge provides in excess of 18,000 meals and snacks. If your group wins the $5,000, this will provide 1,177 meals for youth who need a warm meals and a place in which to feel loved, nurtured, encouraged, safe and to belong.