Abbey Ridge expands to second home

New Dawn’s youth supportive housing program, Abbey Ridge, now has capacity for 13 young people with the purchase of a second property in Glace Bay.

Abbey Ridge provides safe, supervised, and supportive transitional housing for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 24 and are at high risk of negative life outcomes due to a lack of resources, support, and stability.

The two homes are side-by-side and have a mix of permanent and emergency beds. The homes offer the same programs and services, providing a supportive environment that fosters the development of life skills and independence. Youth work with a qualified support team to develop and implement individualized plans and goals aimed at building their competencies, confidence, and independence as they transition into adulthood.

The second home addresses a high demand for the program, reducing the waitlist and providing wraparound personalized care for more young people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

“We do have a waitlist – as quick as we house youth, the waitlist picks back up. If we were given two more homes ready to open overnight, it would not take me long to fill them,” said Abbey Ridge manager, Larissa Rodriguez.

Abbey Ridge has grown its staff to more than 20 trained professionals, including a manager, a team lead, a community housing support worker, and youth workers, who collaborate to provide 24/7 mentorship, stability, connection, and guidance. Youth learn live skills such as budgeting, cooking and nutrition, and self-care. Each resident has a private bedroom and access to a shared kitchen, living space, and laundry. Well-balanced meals are provided.

For more information about Abbey Ridge, including eligibility criteria and details about the referral process, please visit Abbey Ridge’s webpage here.