A safe space for 16 to 24-year-olds is scheduled to open in Sarnia by year's end.
21 local service organizations have joined together with St. Luke's Church to form The Hub, a drop-in centre that will be open six days a week at the Indian Rd. at Wellington St. facility.
Project co-chair Teri Thomas-Vanos says that age group is especially vulnerable.
"They don't quite fit Childrens Services and they're too young for adult services," she says. "As an outcome of meetings, we decided to have one central hub at one location would be ideal."
She says a $75,000 grant through the United Church of Canada will pay for a kitchen, shower, security, painting and other renovations.
Support services for housing, Ontario Works, school programs and mental health and addiction programs will be offered.
Operational funding has come from Lambton County and other community partners. Thomas-Vanos says the plan is to eventually receive annualized funding.
It's hoped support housing at The Hub could be offered in the future.
