Today for #GivingTuesday we are asking for our community’s support in helping us respond to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 to help us continue to provide safe housing and brighter futures to the at-risk youth in our community.
The unprecedented times we are facing have brought about significant challenges for the youth that we support at Threshold. There has been a significant reduction to the supports available to at-risk youth within the wider system through the cancellation and/or reduced capacity of programs and services. We have seen a significant jump in mental health related challenges due to isolation and the uncertainty of our current reality. In addition to their regular roles, our frontline staff are now carrying the burden of filling those gaps including counselling, access to resources, and health support. Covid-19 has also resulted in increased costs related to staffing, supplies such as PPE, food, and financial support for youth. The work we do at Threshold is an essential service, and our frontline staff team represent a lifeline to at-risk youth who are struggling in our community. Demands on staff are significant and we are only beginning to see the impact this will have on the youth we support.