Youth in high-risk situations mapped where they travelled on a typical day, and the safe & unsafe spaces they encountered. Youth demonstrated surprisingly extensive routes, and the inability to afford public transit was identified as a significant barrier.
Routes to homes piloted a transit access program, conducted in partnership with the University of Alberta, and funded by Homeward Trust Edmonton. 40 youth received transit passes or tickets for 3 months. A decrease in interactions with transit authorities and an increase in employment and stable housing were observed during the project.
36 youth completed a mapping activity and interview about their daily travels, and perspectives on safety and social inclusion. Youth most commonly went to youth-serving agencies on a typical day, where they felt the most welcome. Youth were impacted by social exclusion, saying they felt judged by others and “not part of civilization” while homeless. Many participants reported being banned and were often unsure of how long.
39 youth shared their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations on being banned from an area, service or property. 15 service providers also shared their recommendations, and an environmental scan reviewed information about local banning policies. This project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy through Homeward Trust Edmonton’s Community Research Projects funding.
AAYI has created a set of guidelines, The YEG Youth Access Guidelines (YEG YAG), that address barriers and bans that youth experience in agencies, programs and services that they frequent.
Along with the YEG Youth Access Guidelines (YEG YAG), AAYI has created a training that outlines how to use the Youth Access Guidelines and provides a step-by-step approach to consistent and trauma informed banning.
To request a training, please email yegyag@mapsab.ca
