Parent stopped by to tell myFM what Huron Safe Homes for Youth is all about | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Huron Safe Homes for Youth is the Usborne and Hibbert and myFM Community Partner for the month of March.
Established in 1986, Huron Safe Homes for Youth was conceived from the collective concern of local educators at South Huron District High School, witnessing a gap in services for young people aged 16 to 18. Too old for child services yet too young for adult assistance, these youths found themselves in limbo, often facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions.
If you ask Executive Director Vicky Parent, although there are many reasons that young people can find themselves unhoused, or experiencing housing instability, there are two main culprits that they see frequently.
From humble beginnings around a kitchen table in Exeter, the organization has grown to serve the entire Huron County, providing free and confidential support services to youths and their families.
To this day, Vicky says that there are really only three things that dictate how they care for these vulnerable young people – an acronym she calls “SOS”.
Photo by B. Shakyaver
Vicky says that she prides herself on having an annual budget of less than $200,000, while still having a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youths. Through partnerships with local service providers and the generous support of the community, they can provide essential assistance, from funding driver’s licenses to covering eyeglass expenses or clothing allowances.
What sets this organization apart is its hands-on approach and flexibility in meeting youths where they are most comfortable. With no central office, the team travels to communities across Huron County.
This accessibility is crucial in overcoming transportation barriers and building trust with the youths they serve.
As the need for their services continues to grow, Huron Safe Homes for Youth remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every young person in the community has the opportunity to thrive.
Written by: B. Shakyaver