SAVE YOUTH SHELTER from closure in east Toronto (Scarborough) Ontario

On June 22, 2015 the board of directors for Scarborough's only emergency youth shelter decided to shut Second Base down by Oct. 20, 2015.

In 2011, Second Base was almost shut down by the City of Toronto as management needed to fix some problems. A change of management not only fixed the problems, but paid off a past debt load of $150,000 and was able to put $201,323.47 by March end of 2012. The board changed again..

Under the new management and in only 2 years this management team has racked up almost $100,000 in new debt and has decided to shut down this vital service because they cannot pay the bills, leaving the youngsters (16 to 21 year olds) to fend for themselves.

Its 2014 financial statement shows the shelter got $10,000 from the United Way and $10,853 from the city last year for a meal program, but used just $2,500 of that. A $25,000 grant from Home Depot for certain repairs was not used at all, according to the financial statement. *

"For once, this entire city needs to fight for something that isn't about themselves" said a youth resident fighting to keep her home open. *

* Quotes taken from Scarborough Mirror story.

Thank you for your support of our plans. We couldn't be more appreciative.

Dear Mayor Tory,


Please find enclosed a petition with 4,487 supporters to date, in favour of reopening the only youth shelter in Scarborough, Second Base (Scarborough) Youth Shelter (SBYS). This safe haven supported 60 displaced and at risk youth and has now been closed.  The community continues to demand that youth services be re-established at 702 Kennedy Road and asks that you intervene immediately.


"In 1984, Human Services of Scarborough initiated a youth task force inquiry into the need for a youth shelter in Scarborough. Other studies revealed that during the school year, at any given time, 285 Scarborough high school students needed emergency shelter and were unable to access immediate services within the community." (from SBYS’ website)


SBYS opened its doors on December 8, 1993 and quickly established itself as a much needed vital service to vulnerable and at risk youth in the community.


The building at 702 Kennedy Rd. was purpose built and designated as a youth shelter, after extensive community assessments were completed.


The objects for which the corporation is incorporated according to the Letters Patent dated June 9, 1987 at 6(a) say:


"To develop, operate and maintain a youth shelter in the City of Scarborough and to maintain a fund or funds for that purpose."


The Church of the Epiphany (now Grace Church) owns the land that the building sits on and a ground lease was established.


At section 3.2 - Term, it says: "The Lease is for a term of 40 years from and including July 10, 1992 to and including July 9, 2032..."


At section 4.1 Use of Demised Premises, it says:


"The Tenant shall use the Demised Premises solely for the following purposes:


... 4.1 (b) to use, operate and manage the Demised Premises as a youth shelter..."


At section 19.1 Surrender, it says:


"The Tenant covenants with the Church that the Tenant shall, at the expiration of the Term or a lawful termination of this Lease, surrender and deliver up to the Church the Demised Premises in as good a condition and repair as the Tenant is required to maintain the Demised Premises under this Lease."


A volunteer board of directors decided to close the doors to this vital service to the community by October 20, 2015.  On October 1, 2015 the board locked the youth and staff out of their safe haven.


The Corporation sat on an empty building for over a year preventing youth in danger of homelessness from their sanctuary.


From speaking with the local high schools it would seem that each one refers from 3 to 6 students annually. Where are these youth turning to now?  We have just removed 60 beds from an already overburdened youth shelter system. And there is no service in Scarborough for them right now. This is an outrageous outcome and certainly not one that should be tolerated for one minute longer. One of the residents of Second Base was killed shortly after the close of the shelter, outside of his father's home and others have been seen pan handling at Kennedy Subway.


We are demanding that the City take control of this situation and find a solution to get this service back up and running immediately.  This is an unconscionable crisis in our own backyard!


Sincerely,

Update #55 years ago
Top of the season to our SBYS family, I wanted to send my deepest thank you to each and everyone of you for supporting our homeless youth and Congratulate you on a job well done. Our voices have been heard! We are getting services back for east Toronto for our precious youth and young adults. Email marika_goode@hotmail.com if you want to discuss future projects. With blessings & good cheer! Xo
https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9037195-scarborough-to-once-again-have-shelter-for-homeless-youth/
Update #48 years ago
Thank you for your incredible support! Our voices have been heard.
Here is the update on our meeting with the CDRC on Jan 27.
The motion that was passed :
" 1. Requested the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the Chief Corporate Officer and the Anglican Diocese, to continue to explore the option for the City to lease and/or purchase the building at 702 Kennedy Road. "
This is a small but very significant step in the right direction!
Update #38 years ago
RALLY - Jan 27 - Nathan Phillips Square (be there or...)
Details: http://on.fb.me/1JYfRm2

4 CDRC meeting we need:
-Letters of support
-Deputations to city councillors - the more the merrier
-Share the Care2petition and grow our movement - we will deliver to Mayor Tory.

Your support means everything to our success as we aim to influence the decision makers to save SBYS and restore the vital service for our youth. Read petition letter. Blessings.
Update #28 years ago
The volunteer board closed SBYS’ doors forever today, the building which thousands have called home may be sold by tomorrow.

The following articles are our updates: Bluffs advocate, global news, city of Toronto report

Join us.

Keep up the great work, our voices are being heard but it’s not over yet!
Update #18 years ago
SBYS shut its doors. On Oct. 1, the remaining residents were discharged and staff notified only hours before their shifts started that they need not show up. This is 20 days ahead of schedule! Big shout out to the Toronto Youth Council for their research. We had the pleasure of welcoming a founding member of SBYS who has joined us in demanding that the current executive of SBYS step aside. Rally date coming.
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