NXTSHELTER

Venture Name

NXTSHELTER

Non-Profit Organization Partner

Youth Without Shelter

Social Challenge Addressed

Bringing awareness to youth homelessness in Etobicoke.

Affected Population

NXTSHELTER focuses on young people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Many of these youth face unstable housing situations, including couch surfing, temporary shelters, or living in unsafe environments. Research shows that certain groups are disproportionately affected, including LGBTQ+ youth, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, and youth aging out of the foster care system. Because youth homelessness is often less visible than adult homelessness, many young people remain overlooked by society and support systems.

Intended Impact

NXTSHELTER aims to raise public awareness about the hidden realities of youth homelessness through visual storytelling and design. By highlighting the concept of “invisibility,” the initiative encourages people to recognize the experiences of youth who are often unseen and underserved. Through awareness campaigns and partnerships with organizations like Youth Without Shelter, the initiative seeks to promote empathy, spark conversations, and support efforts that help young people access stable housing, mental health support, and opportunities for long-term stability.