As the holiday season unfolds in Edmonton, a local youth shelter is working tirelessly to provide more than just a roof overhead. Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) is creating a sense of home and belonging for teenagers and young adults during a time of year that can be particularly difficult for those facing housing instability or family turmoil.
A Rising Need for Support
The demand for the services provided by YESS has seen a steady and significant increase. According to the charity's own data, in 2023 they served 697 youth. In 2024, that number rose sharply by 21 per cent. More recent figures from October and November show the facility served close to 150 individuals in just those two months.
Delalie Mortotsi, the interim chief of programs for YESS, notes that the youth arriving are not only greater in number but are also presenting with more complex needs, particularly around mental health support. "They come and they're very scared or are very stand-offish, because they don't know what they're walking into, which is natural," Mortotsi explained. The organization's core mission in response is simple yet profound: "We try to make this feel like a home."
Holiday Spirit in a Historic Fire Hall
Operating out of a converted brick fire hall on the east end of Whyte Avenue, YESS offers 16 emergency shelter beds and an additional 8 beds for long-term supportive housing. During the holidays, the approach is intentionally "low-key" to respect the complex emotions many youth experience, but the spirit of community is actively fostered.
The shelter organizes movie nights, trips to see festive city displays like Candy Cane Lane, and a special freshly cooked breakfast on Christmas morning. These activities are designed to build connection and offer a gentle celebration.
The Power of a Personalized Gift
A central part of the holiday effort is fulfilling personalized wish lists for the youth. Mortotsi herself has crossed over 32 specific gifts off her shopping list this season. The requests mirror typical teenage desires—Nike Air Jordans, gift cards, smartphones—but also include meaningful cultural items like Indigenous smudge kits and sage.
"This is honestly my favorite part of Christmas," Mortotsi said from a room filled with wrapping paper and presents. The impact of these gifts is tangible. This year, for example, one youth attending post-secondary will receive a high-end laptop to aid their studies, a potentially life-changing tool for their future.
The work of YESS, especially during the holiday season, underscores a critical community need. It moves beyond basic shelter to address the human longing for dignity, personal recognition, and a place to belong, ensuring Edmonton's most vulnerable youth are not forgotten.
