

The Portal Youth Outreach Programs serve youth 16 to 24 years old who have been, are at risk of, or are:
• Experiencing multiple risk factors across the social determinants of health including, but not limited to poverty, ability, social isolation, unstable housing / homelessness, family violence, sexual violence, substance abuse, emotional / mental health issues and intergenerational trauma.
• Impacted by discrimination (i.e., African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq / Indigenous, Acadian, 2SLGBTQ+, and immigrant / newcomers) and experiencing systemic, historical, and societal inequities, which exponentially compound the impact of the risk factors.
Youth will be received for intake when they fit the above criteria and if they are experiencing homelessness, priority is given. Homeless is defined as being unsheltered, staying on someone’s couch, staying in a place not fit for habitation, or in a situation where there is exploitation. Referrals can be made by any support person or directly by the youth. A referral form is preferred but not required, click here.