MEDICINE HAT Roots Youth Shelter
A safe environment for youth who require short-term accommodations.
The primary intent of the Roots Youth Shelter is to provide a safe environment for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are experiencing homelessness and require short-term shelter accommodations.
Working closely with the Medicine Hat Youth Hub, the program is focused on the individual needs of each youth with the intent to work on returning home or transitioning to permanent housing. Roots Youth Shelter is open 24/7, where youth are provided with day-to-day supports during their stay at Shelter. This program supports youth while promoting stability, physical and emotional health, and well-being.
An Accessible Community-Based Program
Ages 12 to 17
The program is open to youth aged 12 to 17, who are experiencing homelessness and require short-term shelter.
No Fees
The program is funded by Medicine Hat Community Housing Society and the Ministry of Children’s Services. There are no costs for participants.
Meaningful Support
Youth can access shelter and support for up to 14 nights and may choose to leave at any time.
Open Referral
Referrals to the shelter can be made by anyone, including self-referral.
What to Expect
Our main goal is to ensure that youth have their basic needs met but our work goes beyond this; we connect youth to other resources in the community and ensure they feel safe, respected, and heard. This voluntary program gives youth freedom of choice in their length of stay, planning, and referral to services.
The Roots Youth Shelter provides a safe environment for youth so they can build meaningful connections with support staff and the broader community. These lasting connections help participants move forward as they exit the shelter.
Roots Youth Shelter offers a dedicated Family and Natural Support Worker who provides personalized assistance to strengthen and sustain family relationships. They work closely with youth to identify and connect with natural support networks, offering guidance, resources, and emotional support. Whether you're facing challenges or simply seeking to enhance family dynamics, our Family and Natural Support Worker is here to help you navigate and thrive. Our Family and Natural Supports Worker connects directly with Sheltered Youth, and is available to any Youth, Family or Natural Support in the Community - no referral necessary!
How to Access the Program
Referrals are accepted from any community member, including self-referral.
You can reach the shelter directly at 403-866-7482. It is located on the lower floor of the Youthopia Building at 250 2nd St. SE, Medicine Hat. The entrance to the shelter is at the back of the building (rear entrance).
You can stay in the shelter for up to 14 days.
McMan's core values of commitment, trust, respect, empathy, and genuineness are ingrained in each portion of service delivery.
Want to learn more about Roots Youth Shelter?
