OVER-REPRESENTATION
IN THE SHELTER SYSTEM
In November 2023, the team at Eva’s conducted our second annual youth survey
to deepen our understanding of the demographics of those we support, ensuring our services align with their evolving needs.
The 2023 survey results underscore a significant
increase in the number of Black, newcomer, and
2SLGBTQ+ youth seeking assistance
from Eva’s.
TOP THREE SURVEY TRENDS
Of the youth we serve…
72%
self-identified as
Black
21% increase from last year
57%
self-identified as
refugee or refugee claimant*
32% increase from last year
34%
self-identified as
2SLGBTQ+
10% increase from last year
* A refugee is an individual compelled to leave their homeland due to persecution, war, or violence. A refugee claimant is someone within Canada who seeks protection by making a claim for refugee status.
Of the 34% of youth who self-identified as 2SLGBTQ+,
80%
also self-identified as Black
INCREASED CHALLENGES FOR YOUTH WITH INTERSECTING IDENTITIES
Issues such as racism, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia intersect, significantly impacting youth with multiple identities.
SEEKING SAFE HAVEN
An increasing number of newcomers are coming to Canada, seeking shelter from war, violence, persecution, human rights abuses, and environmental disasters.
Of the youth at Eva’s who self-identified as a refugee or refugee claimant:
also self-identified as Black
also self-identified as 2SLGBTQ+
The majority of the young people at Eva’s today have attended high school, and many have college or university education.
DEMOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS
average age of the young people
of youth at Eva’s are between 16 – 18
of youth have at least some high school education
of youth have at least some post- secondary education
TOP GOALS SET BY YOUTH AT EVA’S
Employment
Financial management
Education
Housing
With the high cost of living in Toronto, it’s essential that we address the systemic barriers that prevent youth from being able to access meaningful work in Canada. They have a strong desire to enter the workforce, earn a steady income, and give back to their community.
of youth at Eva’s are receiving income from full-time or part-time employment
INTRODUCING OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2027
Supporting youth in building brighter futures
With our new strategic plan, we will leverage our history and experience to expand innovative youth-led programming, addressing systemic issues that contribute to the over-representation of Black, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth at Eva’s. We are committed to actively involving youth in designing, evaluating, developing, and delivering programs to meet their needs.
About the survey
This is a moment-in-time snapshot of the youth seeking our services. 120 youth completed the survey, covering our emergency shelters (Place and Satellite Hotel) and transitional housing site (Phoenix). The survey does not capture YOUth Belong participants, where 100% self-identify as Black.