Helping to move the needle on youth who are at-risk and homeless
After much planning and anticipation, oneROOF Youth Services has been able to make its vision of offering more services and programs to youth, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, a reality. oneROOF recently moved into a larger facility with more space — something the organization was able to do with the help of an impact investment from Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF).
oneROOF operated out of a building on Queen Street in downtown Kitchener for close to two decades. But increasing demand for services meant the organization needed more room. In March 2019, it moved to a property at Sheldon Avenue and King Street. The impact investment was used to add to the existing buildings to make room for offices for outside agencies, as well as a shelter.
“We knew we were taking on a large endeavour, and I can’t think of a better way to invest for impact than a project that will change the lives of hundreds of young people,” says oneROOF CEO Sandy Dietrich-Bell. “We also know the reputation that WRCF has, so we felt that if we could be successful with an impact investment, it would motivate others to provide support.”
The go-ahead for the $750,000 impact investment followed much discussion with WRCF, as well as a presentation by oneROOF on its vision for the future of the organization — which in five to six years will include a shelter, evening and day drop-in services, office space for youth-minded agencies, wraparound support for mental health, addiction, employment and social services, and additional buildings for supportive and supported housing.
“We want to move the needle on youth homelessness to the point where it no longer exists,” says Dietrich-Bell. “In a perfect world, my grandchildren won’t know what I did for a living because there is no homelessness.”
As for other organizations considering applying for an impact investment, the oneROOF CEO says it’s important to have a clear vision that you can articulate.
“Make sure that you’ve done your homework; you know that the need is real, and that you can articulate the need. And that the dollars — if awarded — are really going to make a measurable impact.”
Dietrich-Bell says she feels very blessed that WRCF recognized what oneROOF was doing to make positive change in the lives of youth who are homeless.
“We can’t stress enough how grateful we are that an entity like WRCF would have the faith in what we do; understand what we do, and believe that we are the group that can make this a reality.”
Visit www.oneroof.org for more information about the services they offer, and to provide support directly to their organization. If you would like to learn more about partnering with WRCF to make impact investments, including establishing your own Donor Advised Fund – Invested for Impact, contact Dan Robert at dan@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806 x 205.
Note: This story was written prior to Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation and Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation unifying to become Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Although the story was created by KWCF, we have updated the organization name to WRCF throughout the story.