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Who are these young people?

The Auberges du cœur are more than just shelters. In fact, the Auberges du cœur youth workers accompany young people experiencing a variety of family or social issues. Whether they are abandoned, homeless, dropouts, drug addicted, troubled or experiencing mental health issues, the youth who come to our shelters are greeted with open arms and provided with the support they need to address their physiological, emotional and social needs.

The Auberges du cœur rebuild a strong support network around young people (family, friends, the community) that helps to promote their independence. Accompanied by a youth worker, they must actively participate in the process of their own free will. A typical stay can last anywhere from a few days to one year.

The work of our shelters both reduces the need for state intervention among minors and supports young adults who, at 18, are no longer eligible for state services (60% of troubled young adults who come to our shelters have been through the youth protection system).

The daily lives of these teenagers and young adults is a constant struggle against poverty and pain experienced in social isolation, where the risk of becoming chronically homeless is never far away. Every day, their main concern is ensuring their very survival.

A statistical profile of our young people

• More than one-third of the 3,500 young people who come to our shelters every year are between the ages of 12 and 17; 54% are young women and 46% are young men.
• 67% are between 16 and 19 years old.
• 25% of women and 75% of men are in the 18-to-30 age group.
• 60% have been referred to our shelters by institutions.
• 60% are destitute or extremely poor.
• 81% of minors have experienced family problems marked by violence, neglect and abandonment.
• 35% of minors are dealing with the aftermath of physical or sexual abuse.
• 27% have suicidal thoughts.
• 33% of minors and 44% of young adults have substance abuse problems.
• These young people come from all walks of life.

The changing face of youth problems - From 1975 to 2007

• Our clientele is getting younger.
• A growing number of them have mental health issues.
• We are witnessing a rise in gang-related and criminal activities; gambling problems are also more common.
• There has been a significant rise in the use of psychotropic medication.
• Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are increasing.
• Stays in foster families and group homes are more prevalent.
• There has been a growth in the number of complex cases: an undernourished homeless youth without family, who left his group home at 18 and is struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse or another addiction.

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