This presentation explores the intersection of sex trafficking and youth homelessness, focusing on the compounded risks faced by vulnerable populations in Peel Region, Ontario—a key hotspot for sexual exploitation due to its strategic economic and geographic location. Youth experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or involved with the child welfare system, are at elevated risk due to systemic inequities such as poverty, housing instability, and social marginalization. Peel’s ongoing housing crisis exacerbates these vulnerabilities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies. Effective prevention addresses root causes like family rejection, systemic racism, and economic insecurity, while interventions must be trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and centered on youth agency and choice. The presentation highlights the role of community-based, integrated models like the nCourage hub, which provide a continuum of care supporting youth through healing, empowerment, and long-term stability. Emphasis is placed on the need for cross-sector collaboration—among shelters, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services—to reduce risk and ensure coordinated, consistent support for victims and survivors. To enhance access to dedicated services, systems must remove barriers, prioritize inclusive, equity-focused care, and expand targeted programming for at-risk, entrenched, and exiting youth. A unified, evidence-based, and intersectional approach is critical to addressing both immediate needs and the structural drivers of youth exploitation and homelessness.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dani Mills is the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Youth Advocacy with Our Place Peel. Dani oversees nCourage, the Anti-Human Trafficking Integrated Service Hub. Dani coordinates partnerships and pathways to increase access to support for victims/survivors, individuals at risk of human sex trafficking, and youth homelessness.