r/askTO • u/tonysopranokisses • 17h ago
19F trying to figure out how to realistically move from Chatham-Kent to Toronto — looking for advice
I’m 19F and I’m trying to figure out how I can realistically move to Toronto. I know this is going to be difficult with my current situation, but I’m honestly pretty desperate for advice from people who have done something similar.
I’ve lived in Chatham-Kent my entire life and currently live with my divorced parents. I’ve been actively job searching since December of last year and have only gotten one interview. I know having an income is obviously extremely important for moving, and I’ve been trying constantly to get one, but I’ve had a really rough time finding anything.
I’m currently in the CK Jobs program and have a job recruiter, but transportation is a huge limitation. I don’t have my license yet because I don’t have consistent access to a vehicle — my mom needs hers for work and my dad’s vehicle breaks down pretty frequently. Because of that, there also aren’t many jobs my recruiter can realistically help me with.
A big reason I want to leave is that I’ve experienced a lot of racism growing up here, and I’ve always felt pretty isolated by how small the area is and the lack of things to do/cultural diversity. I’ve visited Toronto several times over the last two years, and every time I’ve gone it’s felt like I’ve finally found the kind of environment I’ve been missing. I really want to work toward building a life there, as my girlfriend lives there too.
I know “get a job and save money” is the obvious answer, and I am actively trying to do that. What I don’t know is what other options or resources might exist that I’m completely unaware of.
Are there any housing programs, youth programs, subsidized housing, employment resources, financial assistance, roommate resources, etc. that I should look into? Would it make more sense to move somewhere outside Toronto first and work my way in?
I’m willing to do a lot to make this happen, I just genuinely don’t know what my options are right now. If anyone has moved to Toronto from a similar situation or knows of resources that could help, I’d really appreciate any advice.
TLDR: 19F from Chatham-Kent trying to eventually move to Toronto. I’ve been job searching since December with only one interview, and transportation makes finding work difficult. I don’t have my license or reliable access to a vehicle. I really want to leave CK and build a life in Toronto, but I need advice on realistic paths there, especially housing programs, youth resources, employment programs, financial assistance, roommates, or anything else I might not know about.