New Common Ground program is one of several initiatives from Youth Opportunities Unlimited designed to strengthen practical life skills, confidence, and community connections for young parents.
London, ON | June 16, 2026 – RBC Foundation has committed $200,000 over two years to Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) to help strengthen housing stability and expand programming for youth and young families at Joan’s Place. Common Ground, a new life skills and food literacy program, is the first of several initiatives being made possible through this donation.
The program officially launched on June 16 with a community planting event at YOU Made It Café. Young families and representatives from RBC rolled up their sleeves and planted the first garden bed together, kicking off a program that will see parents and children grow, harvest, prepare, and enjoy food together.
The funding from RBC Foundation supports dedicated Housing Stability Workers (HSWs), who play a critical role as young people maintain housing, develop life skills, and work toward independent living. These staff also support the delivery of new programming, including Common Ground, strengthening practical skills, confidence, and community connection among residents.
Through Common Ground, participants will gain hands-on experience growing food, preparing nutritious meals, understanding food budgeting, and developing practical skills for everyday living. The program uses food as a pathway to confidence, connection, and practical life skills, while fostering teamwork, responsibility, food literacy, and a deeper understanding of healthy food systems and personal wellness.
“We have the privilege of walking alongside young people during some of the most important and transformative periods of their lives,” said Andrea Topham, CEO of Youth Opportunities Unlimited. “Youth homelessness is often discussed through statistics and systems, but at its heart are young people working every day to build meaningful lives for themselves and their families. We are deeply grateful to RBC Foundation for its collaboration and for recognizing the potential that exists in every young person who calls Joan’s Place home.”
"We know that supportive housing paired with dedicated case management can help break the cycle of homelessness and reduce long-term costs for entire communities. With 275 unsheltered youth in London recorded in 2025, the need couldn't be more pressing," said Tanja Wilkins, Regional Vice President, London St. Thomas, RBC. "At RBC, expanding access to stable housing is part of our commitment to inclusive prosperity, and we're deeply proud to walk alongside YOU in creating real, lasting opportunities for young people and families."
Built on the belief that every young person deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity, Joan’s Place offers 39 units of deeply affordable housing alongside access to education, employment, wellness, and community supports. It is home to young people raising children, rebuilding confidence, pursuing goals, and creating brighter futures for themselves and their families.
What To Know
- RBC Foundation donates $200,000 to YOU over two years to help strengthen housing stability supports and programming at Joan's Place, a 39-unit affordable housing community for youth and young families in London, ON.
- Dedicated Housing Stability Workers (HSWs) funded through this donation walk alongside young residents as they maintain housing, develop independence, and build meaningful futures.
- Common Ground launched June 16, 2026 - a hands-on food and life skills program where parents and children will grow, harvest, prepare, and enjoy food together, building confidence, community, and practical everyday skills.
- Joan's Place offers more than a roof. Residents access education, employment, wellness, and community supports as they rebuild confidence and pursue their goals.
Thank you RBC Foundation for this generous support.
