In this episode of Planting Seeds with the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation they interview Jeff Dudar, CEO, and Alysia McKay, CSO of Street Culture Project (SCP) to discuss the organization’s evolution and mission. Celebrating 25 years in 2024, SCP started with a focus on outreach and youth engagement. Over time, it has grown to offer housing, mentorship, and shelter services, particularly for youth ages 16-18. These services provide safe spaces for vulnerable youth, especially during challenging times in their lives.
The organization addresses critical issues like housing, food security, mental health, and addiction, which many youth face daily. SCP’s shelter and second-stage housing programs remain vital, as they offer a safe haven for youth. The mission is to create spaces where young people can be themselves, connect with staff, and work through their struggles.
For the past three years, SCP’s shelter has been at capacity, exacerbated by post-COVID challenges. With rising mental health and addiction concerns, meeting the needs of youth has become increasingly difficult, but the organization continues to do its best to help.
Looking ahead, SCP is focused on more than just providing housing. The organization is committed to addressing the broader challenges youth face, particularly around suicide and mental health crises. By prioritizing mental health, SCP hopes to create a ripple effect that can positively impact other areas, such as food security and housing. Their vision is a community where youth feel valued, supported, and empowered to live meaningful lives. This includes creating initiatives to expand services and make a greater impact on youth in the city.
SCP’s goal is to create a spectrum of safety for youth at every stage of their journey, with an emphasis on psychological safety and belonging. Achieving this vision will require collaboration from individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. The organization invites everyone to be part of this effort to create a stronger community for youth.
SCP acknowledges the importance of funding in driving these initiatives forward. With donations down and the economy affecting the charitable sector, fundraising has become a challenge. To address this, SCP has been creative in generating revenue, including through its social enterprise, SCP Construction. All proceeds from the construction company directly support SCP’s programs. SCP Construction provides services such as bathroom, kitchen, and basement renovations. The company also offers youth employment opportunities, where young people gain valuable skills while contributing to the organization’s mission.
