Noah’s House, a mental health support facility for youth in Windsor, Ontario, has been forced to close its doors “indefinitely” due to financial difficulties and safety concerns, according to the charity behind it. The centre, which opened in August 2020, provided a safe space for individuals aged 11 to 25 to connect and socialize while addressing mental health struggles.
The foundation was established by the family and friends of Noah Butcher-Hagell, who tragically died by suicide in 2017. His death deeply impacted his loved ones, leading to the creation of Noah’s House to honor his memory and offer support to young people facing mental health challenges.
In a Facebook post on Friday, CEO Laura Starling explained that the organization had faced numerous challenges in sustaining operations without compensation. The charity has been forced to reevaluate its resources due to the current economic climate and a significant decline in support.
“We can no longer justify maintaining our previous location,” Starling said, citing both the steep rent increase and safety concerns at the Pillette Road site as key factors behind the decision to close. The landlord had proposed a two-year lease with a $3,000 monthly rent, in addition to other operational expenses, making it unsustainable for the charity to continue operating there.
While the physical location is closing, Noah’s House will continue to provide mental health services to those in need. The charity plans to focus on enhancing its counselling services, which will remain free of charge for eligible individuals. A temporary counselling location will be announced in the near future.
Despite the setback, the organization remains committed to offering support to the community, ensuring that youth in Windsor will still have access to mental health resources.
