Supporting Refugee Youth Into Work and Housing

Northpine Foundation has invested in Elephant Thoughts to help refugee youth in the Greater Toronto Area secure both gainful employment and stable housing. The initiative aims to support youth into employment and stable housing, recognizing that training alone does not resolve the housing and income barriers that can prevent young refugees from sustaining independence.

Participants will receive residential accommodation and meals during a 12-week foundational training program, along with coaching, certifications, job-readiness support, and paid work experience. Training will focus on construction trade skills, including carpentry, welding, painting, minor repairs, and home efficiency, with pathways into further trades training and employment.

The program will continue supporting youth for up to two years after training, helping them build savings, search for rentals, understand leases, and transition into independent housing.