Note: This is a composite story that reflects the experiences of multiple youth while protecting individual privacy.
When Niko first connected with us, he had been navigating the uncertainty of homelessness for over a year. His experiences were shaped by intense mental health challenges that included hearing voices, overwhelming paranoia, and difficulty distinguishing between reality and delusion. These struggles made it hard for Niko to feel safe or trust others.
Fear and frustration built up over time, which was often expressed through angry outbursts— a protective response to a world that felt unsafe. Sleep deprivation, brought on by the dangers of living unsheltered, made things worse. To stay awake, Niko used substances, which further complicated his mental health.
Connecting with Outreach
Niko’s first interactions with our Outreach team were guarded. Years of surviving on his own had left him mistrustful. The team showed up consistently, and offered Niko food, water, and clothing, with no strings attached — small gestures intended to help build trust.
One day, the Outreach team saw Niko on the street, shouting at strangers. To people passing by, he might have seemed hostile , but the team understood Niko could be experiencing psychosis. They had met him a few times before, but trust hadn’t been built yet. They approached carefully, keeping things calm, while ensuring everyone’s safety. They didn’t push him to talk and let him know they were there. Over the next few weeks, the team continued to check in with Niko and offered their support . Eventually, Niko accepted an invitation to visit the Drop-In Centre, drawn by the promise of warm food, clean clothes, and a space free from expectations.
A Safe Space at the Drop-In Centre
At the Drop-In Centre, Niko found more than just basic resources. He found a place where he could breathe. Staff respected his need for space and waited for him to engage at his own pace. Trust was built slowly, through respect and consistency.
Over time, staff noticed that Niko became agitated when the space got busy or loud. They developed a strategy to help him cope: a youth worker would take Niko on a brisk walk to clear his head, and then Niko would relax in a designated quiet room, away from the noise and bright lights. This routine helped Niko feel calmer and more in control.
As Niko grew more comfortable, he began to participate in activities, where he would find small moments to connect with peers. Recognizing his need for a stable place to sleep, staff offered Niko a bed in the Sanctuary program. Thanks to the trust that staff had built, Niko accepted, and found comfort in having a consistent and safe place to rest.
The Sanctuary Program
Recognizing Niko’s need for psychiatric support, staff consulted with professionals that included a nurse, social worker, and youth workers, who developed a plan that respected Niko’s autonomy. A nurse began to visit Niko regularly and built trust through casual conversations. Over time, Niko agreed to meet with a psychiatrist to address his symptoms.
After weeks of consistent care that included stable sleep, routine, and meals, Niko began to experience moments of clarity, free from his symptoms. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he started to take prescribed medication, with supportive daily reminders from staff. His outbursts decreased, and he rediscovered the feeling of joy in activities like basketball and watching movies with peers.
When Niko is ready to leave the Sanctuary program, Outreach staff will work with Niko and his mental health team to monitor his progress and provide trauma-informed support to help him stay on track with his medication and overall well-being. This thoughtful continuum of care empowers Niko to continue to build a life rooted in resilience, hope, and belonging.