Non-profit for the homeless teams up with local brewery to provide jobs

Erin Collins
News Editor

Francois, a resident of Gatineau, Que., panhandles in Ottawa’s Byward Market. Trying to live without his psychophrenia medication, he lost his apartment and now lives on the streets.

What is a home?

In contrast to a house, a home isn’t just a place to stay; someone’s home is a safe space within which their needs can be met in a supportive environment. By this definition, many youths don’t have access to a home, and many turn to the streets to escape factors like family violence, negligence, and abuse.

In Canada, youths comprise one third of the homeless population – approximately 65,000 individuals ranging from age 16-30.

It is estimated that 70% of homeless youths are driven from their homes by physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Without help, many will go on to be homeless adults.

Operation Come Home is trying to change that.

The Ottawa-based non-profit organization uses a wide range of unique and innovative methods in its work with more than 350 homeless youths. In addition, it is currently the only organization in Canada dedicated to reuniting youths on the street with their families or legal guardians.

Not only does Operation Come Home provide access to basic needs, resources, and health services, but the programs are tailored to enable youths to become contributing members of society, and they provide opportunities for education and employment.

Numerous programs and services are encompassed by six “pillars.” These include the Housing Pillar, which connects eligible youths with safe and affordable housing, and the Education Pillar, under which the Achievement Education Program allows participants to complete their high school education and pursue post-secondary education.

As well, the Drop-In Pillar provides youths with access to food, counselling, child care, student placements, and even pet care.

A recent joint partnership between the non-profit and Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. is soon to result in a series of job placements for interested and eligible youths.

As of Nov. 24, three hires through Operation Come Home will be working for the local brewery, delivering beer to Ottawa residences.

One of the new workers is Keanen Fawcett, who has been homeless since age 16. Though a survivor of alcoholism, Fawcett does not believe that working in a brewery will harm his recovery.

He responded to inquiries by CBC News, “Booze will be everywhere, almost for the rest of your life. To me, it’s just about willpower.”

Customers can order online and pay a $15 fee for the delivery service. All proceeds go to pay the workers’ salaries and to fund Operation Come Home programs.

Photo by lazyartist/FLICKR

Tags: homeless, jobs, ottawa

Category: News