Resource Assistance for Youth, Inc. (RaY) is a non-profit street-level agency working with street-entrenched and homeless youth up to the age of 29. RaY is non-judgmental and non-partisan, employing a harm reduction approach to all interactions with youth in need. When a case manager from RaY’s Level Up Program reached out to ERA on behalf of one of the participants, we were happy to contribute a laptop to provide him with a tool to help him succeed in his construction program in school.
Viewing regular access to a personal computer as a non-essential luxury is a thing of the past. Even basic activities now require the use of a computer; applying for a job, completing school work, staying in touch with family or even something as simple as looking up a bus route is difficult without a computer. The Electronic Recycling Association has developed a charitable computer donation program to address exactly that problem.
In July 2003, Operation go Home merged with a partnering street youth service agency (Powerhouse Winnipeg Inc.) in order to strengthen both organizations. The results of this merger gave birth to Resource Assistance for Youth Inc. (RaY). The updated mission statement for the re-branded agency is “to provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives.” Reverend Norman Johnston’s original vision of supporting youth find a way back from the street continues to be the focus at RaY, albeit in an ever expanding and more comprehensive incarnation.
On June 15, 2010, RaY officially opened the doors of its newly renovated space at 125 Sherbrook Street, an 8,000 square foot site that is better suited to the needs of the agency and the youth who access its services. Today, RaY provides a continuum of services and continues to expand and evolve its programming to provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives.
Services include providing meals and basic needs like clothing, showers, laundry and more. The Housing Department connects youth with affordable and suitable permanent housing, while also providing tenancy and life skills support. There are also programs regarding employment and education along with health and wellness.
Make a donation today and help RaY provide resources to Winnipeg’s street youth.
