Erika Morton - Street-Involved Youth

Erika Morton, Social Planner – Street-Involved Youth

The primary focus for Social Planner, Erika Morton, is Youth Housing and Homelessness issues in Hamilton. As a project coordinator with the Street Youth Planning Collaborative, Erika supports their efforts toward addressing and responding to the issues unique to street-involved and homeless youth. Connected to this demographic, Erika also oversees the Urban Arts Initiative.

Erika attended McMaster University to pursue an education that would respond to her interest of improving the well-being of individuals and communities. She obtained Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Social Work. Both her education and employment experiences influenced her interest to obtain a career that would contribute to making positive impacts upon young people’s pathways.

Since Erika has been a resident of Hamilton, she has taken an active volunteer role in the community as a member of the Stinson Community Association and as co-organizer at Powell Park Community Garden. The satisfaction of her volunteer work is the hands-on, community-led collaboration that leads to the enhancement of the community and the enjoyment of individuals in the neighbourhood. The appeal of this volunteer work is that it builds community connections and vibrancy.

In work and volunteer areas of her life, Erika reflects upon her personal mantra: “small hands, steady hope, strong heart”, which means:

– I bring small hands that are capable of so much, but with others hands, much more can be accomplished
– I keep hope, optimism and commitment when pursuing achievements
– I have a deep care that endures and my motivation is the strength of my passion

Erika, a cat lover, believes in the greatness of Hamilton and enjoys calling this city her home. She appreciates the closeness to conservation areas, hiking trails and waterfalls and the vibrancy of the arts community.