Outcomes for Youth Living in Canada’s First 2SLGBTQ+ Transitional Housing Program – Evaluation of YMCA Sprott House

YMCA Sprott House is a 25-bed transitional housing program aimed at meeting the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 16-24. This process evaluation was conducted during YMCA Sprott House’s first year of operation. Youth and staff were invited to participate in in-depth interviews and surveys at different time points over the course of one year. Findings showed that youth experienced decreased unemployment, increased school enrollment, and a sense of belonging and safety; however, numerous youths reported unmet mental health needs and difficulty accessing community mental health support. As the first program of its kind in Canada, results from Sprott House’s continued evaluation are critical for building an evidence-based model to guide the improvement, development, and evaluation of future population-based housing programs.