Founded by Father Emmett “Pops” Johns in 1988, Dans la rue is committed to serving homeless and at-risk youth. With dedication, empathy and respect, and with the support of the community, Dans la rue cares for their immediate needs and help them acquire key skills and resources they can use to lead more autonomous and rewarding lives.
In any given year, Dans la rue helps more than 1,000 12- to 25-year-olds who are unhoused or in unstable living conditions. The Day Centre cafeteria is an essential service where close to 175 nutritionally balanced hot lunches are made and served Monday through Friday. That’s almost 38,000 healthy and sustaining meals every year. Food security plays a crucial role in guiding youth away from homelessness and toward a more self-sufficient future.
The funding Dans la rue receives from the R. Howard Webster Foundation is vital to running the cafeteria, where youth can meet up, learn and find the helping hand they need. It is part of a broader and comprehensive array of services that allows them to build up their energy so they can work more effectively with Dans la rue’s counsellors and volunteers to find lasting solutions.
The cafeteria is often a first positive step forward and a chance to experience the one-on-one support and empowerment that can make all the difference.
Dans la rue is extremely grateful to the R. Howard Webster Foundation for everything they have done for the organization – and for at-risk youth — over the past 25 years.
