Zero Ceiling is committed to ending youth homelessness in BC. We create a supportive, stable, safe environment where young people can focus on personal growth. Strong, positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We work towards equity and social justice for young people who have been discriminated against, excluded, and oppressed.
We work with young people (aged 19-27) facing or at risk of homelessness in the Sea to Sky Corridor and the Lower Mainland.
Work 2 Live (W2L) is a 12-24 month supportive housing and employment program. We provide unconditional support and wraparound care so young people can heal, build stability, skills, and support systems to have a healthy transition to adulthood.
The services
below make up a safety net for our program participants. With these supports we
aim to create an environment in which young people feel at home and are supported
in healing and growth. When people feel well, they do well!
1. Transitional Housing: Subsidized, communal living, supported and supervised by staff
2. Supportive Employment: We provide pre-employment training, supportive work placements, workplace coaching, and training and supports to employers.
3. Individualized Support: Participant directed case management (youth led goal setting and support), service referrals (counselling, doctors, etc.), cultural supports, transition planning.
4. Group Programming: Land based recreation (mountain biking, hike, ski, snowboard), family dinner, life skills workshops.
Before applying please review our program description and agreement.
Please read the following information before completing this form. It will help you understand if the Work 2 Live program is a good fit for you. It's often helpful to speak to a support worker about the program before you apply.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To apply to the Work 2 Live Program, you must:
• Be 19-27 years old
• Have no drug or alcohol dependencies
• Complete and sign the release of information form provided below
Those who find most success in the program are:
• Interested in working full-time in the tourism industry
• Happy to share an apartment with other participants
• Prepared to participate in the services available
• Interested in learning to snowboard, ski, or mountain bike
Priority will be given to young people who are currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
WARNING
Drug and alcohol use is highly prevalent in Whistler and those in our programs will likely come into direct contact with such activities. If you are currently working to abstain from drinking or using drugs, Whistler may not be a positive environment to put yourself in. There are limited resources available for those who are in the process of quitting as well. If you have any questions regarding this information I encourage you to contact us.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for the Work 2 Live program:
1. Complete this application form. The form asks about your:
• Personal and contact information
• Housing situation and housing needs
• Employment experience
• Health and support needs
• Interest in outdoor adventure
• Strengths and the challenges you face
• Changes you would like to make if you joined the Work 2 Live program
• References (one from a support worker, and one from an employer)
2. Ask a support worker to complete a reference form.
3. We will contact you to arrange an informal interview
4. Successful applicants will be invited to join the program
Please note:
• Successful applicants will need government issued photo ID and a bank account for employment purposes.
• Members will also need to complete a Criminal Record Check
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dan Browning
Program manager
604-698-6581
dan@zeroceiling.org
