Shelter is a visual exploration of a homeless shelter for youth in rural Ontario.  It's a place where youth struggle with identity and creating a sense of "home" in an institutional environment.

A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Each day, bedding is stripped and washed to avoid spread of disease, sickness and bed bugs.  

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Youth belongings are carelessly spread around the room.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Christmas Eve in the kitchen at the youth shelter.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

The women's bathroom.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

A transitional housing unit for youth.  Youth transition from the shelter to their own room with a shared kitchen, reserved for those who are progressing towards their goals and are in good behavioural standing with staff at the shelter.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

The message board is an easy target for graffiti, doodling and writing messages at the shelter.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

The men's bathroom 

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Donated balls are piled in garbage bags in the gymnasium.  Most shelters do not have a gym, but this particular one was converted from an old public school that was shut down.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Workshop notes on the wall are covered up by furniture.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

The smoking section of the shelter is covered in cigarette butts, despite a can being present.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

The intake room at the shelter where the workers are able to monitor, interview and speak in private to youth.

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A Homeless Shelter for youth in Ontario

Holes in the wall are patched up after a youth lost control of his anger, punching and kicking more than 4 holes on his way out.

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