Transformational partnership revitalizes key YOU downtown campus building, ensuring continued safe housing and integrated supports for youth.
London, ON | October 8, 2025 – Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) is proud to announce a transformational partnership with Old Oak Properties that will revitalize one of the key buildings in YOU’s downtown campus. The building, located at 332 Richmond Street, provides housing and supports for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness and will undergo essential revitalization thanks to Old Oak’s investment.
This 30-unit building provides housing for young people who have experienced instability and reflects an award-winning integrated service model that brings together housing, health supports, education, employment supports, and social enterprise under one roof. At 332 Richmond, youth can gain employment training experience at the YOU Made It Café, access walk-in mental health, primary care, social supports, and connect with housing, food, and community resources at the Youth Action Centre. This approach has garnered national recognition for its innovative approach to addressing youth homelessness.
“Every young person deserves a place where they feel they belong, and partnerships like this remind youth that their community believes in them. With Old Oak’s help, 332 Richmond will continue to be more than just a building — it will be a home where youth can dream, learn, and take steps toward independence.”
– Andrea Topham, CEO of Youth Opportunities Unlimited.
More Than Bricks and Mortar
Old Oak’s partnership goes well beyond financial contributions. The company has donated model kitchens, which are now being installed across YOU sites in London and Middlesex County to create welcoming, functional spaces that give young people a true sense of home. Their team has also shared time and industry expertise, helping YOU find creative solutions for revitalizing aging spaces and making the most of donated resources.
Old Oak’s support also extends to YOU’s social enterprises, where youth have assembled more than 1,500 welcome baskets that have greeted new tenants since 2022. Each basket offers a warm welcome to residents while providing young people with an opportunity to gain employment experience.
“The wraparound model of support YOU offers to downtown and our community is extremely important. At Old Oak, we are excited about the opportunity to work with YOU in a new way, continuing to help youth in London.”
– Robert Bierbaum, CEO of Old Oak Properties.
Old Oak’s investment in 332 Richmond Street will ensure the building continues to be a place where youth can find stability, opportunity, and support well into the future. This transformational partnership demonstrates the powerful impact of business and community leaders working together to build stronger supports, brighter futures, and a more caring London.
About Youth Opportunities Unlimited
About Old Oak Properties
For more information or to set up interviews:
Justine Downing
519.432.1112 x 289
justined@you.ca
