Instability and disconnection quietly shape the lives of thousands of vulnerable youth across Canada, placing them at heightened risk of homelessness and other negative outcomes. But what if one of the most powerful prevention strategies isn’t something expensive, innovative, or out of reach, but something the Church already values and exemplifies: consistent, Christ-centered relationship?



Drawing from research and our personal experience walking alongside vulnerable and homeless youth, this workshop will explore how stable, caring relationships are among the strongest protective factors against youth homelessness. We will examine how early, intentional connection - long before a crisis emerges - can dramatically change life trajectories for vulnerable young people, particularly those in foster care who are at a much higher risk of becoming homeless. 

Too often, Christian engagement begins after homelessness has already occurred. Together, we will reimagine what it looks like for individuals and churches to move ‘upstream’ by investing in relational presence, mentorship, and belonging that reflects the faithful, unconditional love of Christ.

Bianca Armstrong is the program leader of Light Patrol, a program of Youth Unlimited, that supports young people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Since 2016, she has been a frontline outreach worker, being a hopeful and trustworthy presence in the lives of vulnerable youth as they fight to survive and find stability. It is through this work that she has seen firsthand how significant it is for youth to have intentional, long-term relationships with healthy, stable adults who are ‘for’ them no matter what, and how connection can be a powerful, transformational force throughout their lives. 

Email: barmstrong@yugta.ca

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