Housing First for Youth

December 1, 2026 to December 2, 2026

Training Description:

Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) is a rights-based intervention designed to support young people ages 16 to 29 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Grounded in the Housing First philosophy, HF4Y provides immediate access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing, along with comprehensive, age-appropriate supports focused on health, well-being, life skills, education, employment, and social inclusion. This training has been adapted to include a specific focus on Indigenous youth, with Indigenous perspectives, histories, strengths, lived realities, and culturally grounded approaches woven throughout the content. The goal is to support housing stability and empower youth in their transition to adulthood in a holistic, relational, and culturally responsive way.

Please note, we are prioritizing housing first programs. They will receive the registration instructions first; we may open it to non-Housing-First programs if seats are still available.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding the root causes of youth homelessness
Establishing purposeful and consistent engagement with young people
Employing effective case management strategies
Helping young people transition from dependency on services to independence
Integrating the Family & Natural Supports and chosen family philosophy within the HF4Y model.

Schedule:

December 1-2, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (2 days)

Format:

In Person

Who Should Attend?

Youth Service Providers

Trainer:

Kim Kakakaway - Indigenous Training & Relations Consultant

Trainer Bio:

Kim Kakakaway is a proud Cree and Saulteaux First Nations iskwêw from Treaty Six in Saskatchewan and currently lives in Treaty Seven, Calgary. She has over 15 years of experience working with youth, young adults, and Indigenous communities across North America, with a strong focus on advocacy, social justice, and systems change.

Kim is the Indigenous Training and Relations Consultant with A Way Home Canada, where she leads training, supports programs, and brings an Indigenous lens to the organization's work. She is passionate about inclusion, empowerment, and creating meaningful change and always appreciates a good laugh.