After 17 years of providing a safe place for young people experiencing homelessness, it was time to refresh the space and create an environment that feels more like home.
Over the last two years, thanks to support from our generous private donors as well as the proceeds from the Wesley Open Golf Tournament and Case for Kids events, we’ve been updating the building with new furniture, improved storage, upgraded WiFi, refreshed bedrooms, curtains, new flooring and, most recently, comfortable lounge furniture where youth can relax, socialize and spend time together.
These improvements are about more than making the space look better. For young people who have experienced instability, homelessness or unsafe living conditions, having a welcoming and comfortable place to call home can provide a sense of dignity, security, belonging and stability as they work toward their future.
Check out this full list of the updates:
New Flooring = A Fresh, Welcoming Space
A much-needed flooring overhaul that replaced the damaged, retro floors with something modern, durable, and easy to care for.
When you walk through the building today, you can feel the difference. The new floors give the space a fresh, welcoming look and help create a cleaner, more comfortable home for youth in our program.
Residents have noticed too. One shared, “The new floors look great and are way better than before! We’re all really enjoying the space.”
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made this transformation possible – from the residents and staff who helped prepare, to our Property Services team for planning and implementation, and the administrative staff who kept things moving behind the scenes.
These renovations were funded through our Case for Kids event and the Wesley Open Golf Tournament. We’re deeply grateful to our generous donors and supporters for helping create a space that youth can truly feel proud to call home.
New Bedroom Furniture = A Sense of Stability & Ownership
A bed to sleep in, a desk to study at, and a comfortable place to relax – all of these contribute to a sense of stability that young clients may not have experienced before they arrived at Wesley Youth Housing. Having more modern furniture in styles youth might choose for themselves was an important consideration when choosing new items.
In January 2025, guided by feedback from youth residents, 19 individual rooms were thoughtfully refurbished. Updates included enhancements to existing furniture and the addition of new items to address specific needs, such as improved lighting and increased storage. These changes aimed to create a more organized, comfortable, and inviting living space and included items such as:
- Updated bedframes, bedside tables, and lamps to create a restful, home-like atmosphere.
- Updated desks, chairs, new floor and desk lamps to replace old, worn-out pieces and support productivity for those in school or starting new jobs.
- New clothing storage, bathroom organizers, shoe racks, and laundry hampers help keep spaces organized and create a sense of pride.
- A replacement dining table to eat meals they may have learned to cook for themselves.
- New curtains to increase privacy, light blocking for better sleep, and make the room feel warmer than the old plastic blinds.
Better WiFi = Better Access to Education & Employment
For youth working toward finishing high school, attending college, or applying for jobs, reliable internet is a necessity. From August to September 2024, we installed new WiFi access points in every room, ensuring they have the connectivity needed for schoolwork, job searches, and staying in touch with support networks.
New Lounge Furniture = A Place to Connect
Our latest update includes new furniture for the shared lounge areas at Wesley Youth Housing. These comfortable spaces give youth somewhere to hang out, socialize, watch TV, relax and simply spend time together.
For young people who have experienced housing instability, having a welcoming common space can mean much more than having somewhere to sit. It can help create a sense of belonging and community, encourage positive social connections, and provide a comfortable place to unwind at the end of the day.
With the addition of the new lounge furniture, another important part of the transformation of Wesley Youth Housing is now complete.
We thank our Wesley donors who care so much about helping people. Being able to refurbish Wesley Youth Housing is yet another way your generosity is making a tangible difference in the lives of unhoused young people right here in Hamilton.
Thank you for helping us create a place where youth can feel comfortable, connected and at home.
Refreshed Staff Offices = A Better Space to Support Youth
Staff offices also received a refresh, creating brighter, more functional spaces where our team can better support residents.
We thank our Wesley donors who care so much about helping people. Being able to refurbish Wesley Youth Housing is yet another way your generosity is making a tangible difference in the lives of unhoused young people right here in Hamilton.
Thank you for helping us create a place where youth can feel comfortable, connected and at home!
