The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre

The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre is a drop-in centre for homeless and street youth 24 and under. Our mission is to demonstrate Jesus Christ’s unconditional love and kindness through practical and compassionate means of intervention and prevention to youth in our community. With your support, we build relationships and empower hurting youth to make better choices so they can heal.

The Refuge has helped 3573 youth since 1999. Last year, we served 11,736 meals, engaged 573 youth 9887 times and met 275 new youth. We see about 20 - 30 individuals each day and offer 15 weekly programs designed to transform young lives. Tragically 92% of Refuge youth have been emotionally, physically and sexually abused, many at the hands of family - the people who are supposed to love them unconditionally.

The Refuge is not just about numbers, it is a family where youth heal and learn to hope again. You will directly impact youth at The Refuge by running and raising pledges at the Durham Quarter Marathon. Your race fee and pledges go directly to programs and services at The Refuge to provide meals, showers, hope and new beginnings at The Refuge.