On The Way Home

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jen Crowe, Executive Director of Choices for Youth, about the evolving landscape of youth homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Jen shares insights into the unique realities facing young people in both urban and rural communities, explains how a systems-focused and equity-driven approach can address root causes rather than just crisis, and outlines the impact of the Family and Natural Supports model in preventing homelessness. She also discusses innovative housing strategies, including a portfolio-based approach to affordable housing, and the launch of Becket Integrated Youth Services, a province-wide initiative transforming how young people access mental health and social supports. Drawing on both local and national perspectives, Jen highlights the policy shifts needed to truly end youth homelessness and what gives her hope for the future

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Deliah Bernard, Partner at Root Strategies, about what meaningful reconciliation looks like in practice and how relationships, leadership, and listening shape lasting change. Drawing on her experience working alongside Indigenous communities and advising on major national initiatives, including serving as Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor in the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deliah shares reflections on centering Indigenous voices in decision-making, building trust across sectors, and understanding housing as connected to dignity, culture, and self-determination. She discusses lessons learned from moments of crisis and healing, practices that help sustain respectful collaboration, and the changes she hopes to see in the coming decade as Indigenous communities continue to lead and shape their own futures.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Alyse Bernbaum, Executive Director of the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation, about the deep connection between youth mental health and youth homelessness, and the role early intervention and wraparound care play in changing life trajectories. Alyse shares her journey into this work, reflects on how these challenges show up in young people’s daily lives, and discusses how meaningful partnership and programs like Blue Door’s Construct help build confidence, stability, and a sense of purpose beyond employment. She explores what is truly moving the needle in the sector, where young people continue to fall through the cracks, the Foundation's focus and what kind of change is needed so more communities can create pathways to stability, belonging, and hope.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with David Fry, CEO of LOFT Community Services, about leading supportive housing at a time when housing and healthcare systems are increasingly intertwined. Drawing on his background in home and community care leadership, David shares how his experience has shaped his view of housing as a critical part of the care continuum. He discusses his early vision for LOFT, the importance of partnerships between healthcare, housing, and community services, and the biggest gaps facing people with complex health and mental health needs in Ontario today. The conversation explores opportunities for system transformation, the dreams driving his leadership, and the bold moves needed to shift the trajectory of the housing crisis while improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Sheldon Polett, Executive Director of Raising the Roof, about how Canada’s housing and homelessness crisis has evolved over more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership. Sheldon reflects on what feels fundamentally different about today’s moment, what he is seeing across communities nationwide, and how organizations like Raising the Roof are responding through innovative and urgent initiatives. Drawing on his experience in youth homelessness and national coalition-building, he discusses where systems are still failing young people, what we are getting right, and where improvement is needed, as well as the importance of collaboration and sustaining the people doing this work. The conversation closes with practical ways individuals, businesses, and policymakers can help make a meaningful difference right now.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Robert Barnard, CEO of Toboggan Flats, about rethinking how cities support young people through innovative housing and data-driven design. Drawing on experience in advancing youth-friendly cities, Robert shares why vacant office buildings present a unique opportunity to create affordable co-living housing, what barriers are slowing adaptive reuse, and how we can work to better understand youth experiences. He explores how housing for young adults must go beyond affordability to include community, belonging, and mental well-being, and offers insights for young people seeking to reclaim space and influence the future of the cities they call home.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jessica DeVreeze, Affordable Housing Team Leader with the City of Airdrie, about what it takes to move affordable housing from policy discussions into real implementation on the ground. Jessica reflects on her journey from policy strategy in Calgary to leading municipal housing initiatives, sharing what surprised her most about the realities of delivery and collaboration. She discusses the role municipalities play in advancing housing through land use, partnerships, and policy tools, explores the biggest barriers cities face today, and highlights lessons Canadian communities can learn from global and multicultural perspectives. Jessica also shares what gives her hope and what she believes must happen now to build more inclusive, affordable communities in the years ahead.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jason Miles, a lived expert who shares his powerful journey from chronic homelessness and addiction to stability through supportive housing at Dunn House. Jason reflects on what life was like before having a home, the challenges of navigating cycles of instability, and what it feels like to finally have a place of safety and belonging. He discusses the role that supportive housing, community, and health services played in his recovery and wellness, and shares where he is today and his plans for the future. Drawing from lived experience, Jason offers insights for decision-makers about what works, helps listeners better understand the realities of homelessness, and shares his hopes for the future of supportive housing for others seeking a path out of instability.