VIEWPOINT: Arts program for homeless youth can’t afford to lose its location

By Emma Jiayue Liu

Last month, homeless youth involved in the Ottawa Innercity Ministries arts program were told the initiative was being put on hold due to planned renovations at a church in Centretown.

Their rental space at the St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Metcalfe Street would be off limits because of the building renewal project. The makeover had been expected to start this summer, but an advanced work schedule recently left the program scrambling for a new place.

Though the Ottawa School of Arts offered to host the program temporarily in the Byward Market, OIM is searching for a new permanent home.

A fixed location is important — especially for homeless youth — to establish a sense of stability and safety.

As Ken MacLaren, the executive director of OIM, recently told the CBC, the program has helped youth overcome drug addiction, return to school, find part-time work, and even reunite with their families.

“We can’t afford to let this program be lost,” he said. “It’s just too important.”

It’s a testament to how much the arts mean to some people — especially for those who facing struggles in their lives. It encourages self-expression and healing.

Other organizations in downtown Ottawa are offering arts programming to help people cope with their challenges. Studio 507 — part of Centre 507 at the Centretown United Church on Bank Street — provides a fully-equipped creative space for vulnerable residents. Those dealing with homelessness and mental illness have access to canvases, brushes and paint to make art. Without the help of the studio, many of these participants could not afford art supplies or get the opportunity to pursue a passion.

Likewise, there is a value in a local arts program that helps homeless youth.

Some have faced legal troubles. Some have lived in perilous circumstances and needed support to help them come back from difficult situations. Art-making can have a transformative power and lead to personal rediscovery.

Beginning in 2003, the arts program at OIM has provided a supportive environment to encourage Ottawa street-involved youth to engage in the art community. The classes are divided into two sessions according to the participants’ ages.

Youth from 16 to 24 go to the Thursday workshop; an older group meets on Wednesdays. Participants create visual arts or play music as they wish. Youth are paired up with a mentor who assists them to set and achieve personal goals. The program also ensures mentors attend to the youth’s mental health.

Afterwards, they would share a warm meal provided by OIM staff.

The OIM and Innercity Arts are currently supported by the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa West and the Christmas Cheer Foundation. But their removal from the church has put the program in limbo, and left organizers competing with other organizations who can pay more for downtown rent.

We cannot turn a blind eye on the crucial impact that this arts program has for those street-involved youth. Yet, who should pay for the program and its accommodations?
The answer is clear. The municipal government and local citizens should do so. OIM needs supports from both the public and the City of Ottawa.

Despite a number of funding pools available to support arts programs, strict application procedures make it impossible for OIM to receive financial support instantly. For example, applications for 2018 funding from one city arts fund was due in December.

Some youth have said the program helped them recover their self-esteem and stay away from drugs and crime. Ottawa has to find a way to recognize the value of this arts program as a path for homeless youth to reconnect to the community. And that means helping OIM find a new, permanent place for the initiative.

These homeless youth can’t wait for the next funding cycle to come around.