Chapter 1 - What is Eva's Phoenix?
What is Eva's Phoenix?
Eva's Phoenix is one of three shelters that form Eva's Initiatives (OPENS NEW WINDOW), a Toronto organization that takes an innovative approach to working with homeless and “at risk” youth. Opened in June 2000, Eva's Phoenix uses an integrated, holistic approach to provide youth with support in the areas of housing, employment and training, and social support. Rather than treating these as separate areas, Eva's Phoenix has designed its program so that the participating youth receive support in a way that is as “seamless” as possible.
Eva's Phoenix offers transitional housing for up to a year for 50 youth in a unique shared accommodation facility where they learn the skills associated with living together and are able to stabilize their housing situation. The construction of the facility itself was a successful training program that included the participation of 50 homeless and at-risk youth in employment-focused life skills training and on-site employment training. Resident and non-resident youth participate in a range of training and employment programs, which include paid work placements with local employers. An in-house social enterprise print shop offers specialized training and employment opportunities in the printing and graphics industry. All youth have an opportunity to receive a variety of supports, such as counselling and mentorship that helps them to achieve personal goals and to make a smooth transition to the community.
