by Katharina Stocker | photos courtesy NIȽ TU,O Child & Family Services –
For over 30 years, Threshold Housing Society (Threshold) has provided housing for youth who are at risk of homelessness.
This year, Threshold is continuing their life-changing work by implementing several capacity-expanding projects. Two of these projects are in partnership with NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society (NIȽ TU,O) and will increase support for Indigenous youth.
The first project is the development of a new funding model to support the redesign of Threshold’s Forrest House facility, a collaboration between Threshold and NIȽ TU,O.
The redesign will create 17 new spaces for youth from age eight, and will incorporate a Coast Salish architecture style – drafted in partnership with NIȽ TU,O – creating a comfortable space for the Indigenous Youth Threshold serves.
According to Threshold Executive Director Colin Tessier, “as Threshold has grown, so has our partnership with NIȽ TU,O. From conversations about redeveloping Forrest House” to “the invaluable contributions of Salish design concepts to that project, NIȽ TU,O has repeatedly shown their commitment to collaboration.”
While Threshold originally received a grant for the redevelopment from NIȽ TU,O, Threshold has identified a new funding model, allowing the grant to be redirected to the purchase of a new space just for youth: a home on Shelbourne Street with space for six youth. To make this purchase, Threshold used the NIȽ TU,O grant and funds donated by the Kirzinger family. Threshold will begin moving youth into this space pending operational funding.
Threshold Director of Strategic Relations Shannon Whissell explains that while six new spaces may not seem like much, “when you think about six youths who have lived with instability and trauma, now having a safe home where they can rebuild themselves and their lives, it has a substantial impact.”
Threshold looks forward to contributing to the healing of Coast Salish youth. “We’re doing our best to walk in a way that goes far beyond land acknowledgments and words about reconciliation,” says Whissell.
In further efforts towards reconciliation, Threshold is working with NIȽ TU,O to expand its Indigenous Wellness Program. According to Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper Mavis David:
“One person, or one organization, cannot recreate the networks of support our people experienced before our practices were taken from us. Threshold’s relationship with NIȽ TU,O opens doors for our youth to heal, grow, and learn.”
These projects signify more than just the acquisition or expansion of new buildings – they represent the expansion of hope, security and community for the youth Threshold serves, including a growing number of Indigenous youth. Threshold extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have made these advancements possible.
For further details and updates, please visit www.thresholdhousing.ca and www.niltuo.ca.
