NIGHTSTOP
Nightstop is a local community response to a local need.
What is Nightstop?
Nightstop serves as a safety net for young people forced to leave their homes, offering emergency accommodation. It places them in a secure, welcoming home for the night, hosted by carefully vetted and approved volunteers.
Nightstop combats youth homelessness by providing emergency shelter through compassionate volunteer hosts, offering a safe, short-term haven for young people at risk of sleeping on the streets, “couch surfing”, or staying in unsafe accommodations where they would be at risk of abuse.
Nightstop has been operating since 1987 and helps young people in 33 towns and cities around the United Kingdom and has now expanded to Canada. The first Nightstop was taken on by 360 Kids which was the first ever accredited organization to run Nightstop in Canada. Rebound is proudly the third organization to offer this innovative shelter diversion program. In Northumberland County, where youth shelter exists. This program enlists local volunteers from all different walks of life to open their homes and provide safe, temporary shelter to youth in need.
Once placed in a Host home, Nightstop staff continue to provide support in various aspects, as the youth works towards either reintegration with their family (if safe) or longer-term housing solutions.
Nightstop is for youth aged 16-24 who are considered low-to-medium risk, excluding those with unmanaged physical or mental health issues, addictions, or a history of serious crime or violent behavior. Youth are not permitted to use substances while accessing Nightstop.
How Nightstop Works
Community Hosts
Nightstop can’t operate without Volunteer Hosts!
All Nightstop Volunteer Hosts are vetted, must be able to provide a clear police and vulnerable sector check, and are provided with extensive training.
Ongoing support is provided by program staff, who will contact the host to determine if the youth is a good match for the family.
Hosts may pause their participation or withdraw from the program at any time.
2. Youth Referred or Apply
Referrals to Nightstop are received 3 ways:
Internal
External
Self-referral
Nighstop staff will meet with the youth for an intake meeting, where they will review the young person’s situation and assess their eligibility for the program.
Youth must successfully pass the risk assessment before moving on to the next step.
*Beginning April 2025
3. Host Matching
Once matched, the youth will be taken to the Volunteer Host, who will provide a safe place to sleep, laundry and bathroom facilities, along with 3 meals (breakfast, dinner, and a packed lunch) per day.
Please email Grace Riley Nightstop Family Coordinator, to express your interest in being a VOLUNTEER HOST.
