My name is Tammy Vandenheuvel, and together with my husband, Gary, we founded Ohana Landing.

Seven years ago, we began a journey to create safe, affordable housing for youth in our community who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. We purchased the former ABC Daycare on London Road in Sarnia and transformed it into a welcoming home with seven self-contained apartment units.

Ohana Landing provides youth between the ages of 16 and 25 with a safe place to live for up to four years (or until they turn 25), while receiving the support they need to build a brighter future. Here, they have the opportunity to develop life skills, return to school, find employment, and, most importantly, experience the stability, care, and encouragement every young person deserves.

Each youth who calls Ohana Landing home, has their own unique story and hopes for the future.

One of the things we are most proud of is that 100% of every monetary donation goes directly to supporting our residents. Because we have no administrative overhead, every dollar helps provide essentials such as food, clothing, cleaning and hygiene supplies, school supplies, toddler necessities, medical and dental care, and Christmas gifts.

The name Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family, while Landing represents the transition from where you have been to where you are going. Together, the name reflects our mission: to provide a place where young people feel safe, supported, and part of a family as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

This project is deeply personal to me. When I was 16 years old, I experienced homelessness myself. I know the fear and uncertainty that come with not having a safe place to call home. My hope is that no young person in our community has to face that journey alone.

While the renovation of the building has been remarkable, the greatest transformation has been in the lives of the youth who call Ohana Landing home. Watching them grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and build hope for the future has been the greatest reward. It truly fills my heart.