OUR HISTORY

oneROOF Youth Services began in 1988 when Kitchener resident Kate Millar-Young saw a need and took action. From the back of her car, she distributed food, water, blankets, and other essentials to young people experiencing homelessness. As word spread and more youth sought support, ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) was officially born. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, ROOF continued to grow — expanding services, strengthening community partnerships, and increasing support for youth across Waterloo Region. New programs, trained counsellors, outreach services, and partnerships with organizations like the Betty Thompson Youth Centre helped establish the foundation of the agency we know today.

In 1999, ROOF purchased a new facility at 242 Queen Street South, allowing for expanded programming, on-site health supports, and extended service hours. Following a devastating fire in 2005 that temporarily displaced services, the organization rebuilt with the support of the community and returned to a newly constructed building in 2008, bigger and stronger than before. As the needs of youth became more complex, ROOF evolved to meet them. Programs focused on employment, education, outreach, and life skills were introduced, while shelter services expanded to provide more beds and daily meals. And a name change later, oneROOF Youth Services was born — reflecting a broader vision for youth support and prevention.

After years of preparation, oneROOF Youth Services began a major expansion with a move to the King Street and Sheldon Avenue area in 2019. What started as a two-building property quickly grew into a three-building campus through the generosity of donors and support from the City of Kitchener.

In partnership with John MacDonald Architecture and Ball Construction, oneROOF expanded again in 2020 with the construction of a Supportive Housing Building. Following the launch of the Next Steps Housing Program, 44 youth found a home after the building’s completion in summer 2022. It marked a turning point in oneROOF’s history — becoming not only a shelter, but a provider of long-term housing and support for youth experiencing homelessness.

Today, oneROOF Youth Services provides daily shelter, outreach, supportive housing, employment and education programming, family reconnection services, and mental health and addiction supports. What began with one person helping youth from the back of a car has grown into a comprehensive youth-serving organization. So long as youth homelessness exists, we will continue our fight, because one youth on the street is one too many.