S’Lam Youth Hub: Uniting young people in Steeles-L’Amoreaux

Steeles-L'Amoreaux Youth Hub

The Scarborough neighbourhood of Steeles-L’Amoreaux is home to various ethno-racial populations. However, they tend to live in isolation from one another, in smaller communities associated with strict turf boundaries.

The Youth Challenge Fund has provided funding to several youth-led initiatives within Steeles-L’Amoreaux, such as Gashanti Unity, Glendower Demanding Change and Youth in Power. These initiatives have similar goals but serve youth in different sections of the community.

Now they are collaborating – for the first time – on a new initiative that will bring together youth from across Steeles-L’Amoreaux. With mentorship and support from YCF and other organizations such as Toronto Community Housing Corporation, youth are turning a formerly inaccessible space into a safe place for young people to become involved and engaged in their community.

It is early days for this initiative, but with $1.9 million in YCF funds approved and months of development underway, the space will have a significant impact in the neighbourhoods for years to come.  

Called the S’Lam Youth Hub, it will be a place where emerging youth-led groups can run programs and access supports to build their capacity as organizations. It will provide access to a space where young people feel welcome and safe, no matter which part of the community they live in. And ultimately, it will help reduce the isolation, violence and social exclusion facing youth in Steeles-L’Amoreaux, making the neighbourhood a safer, more vibrant place to live.