What to expect as a Youth

If you are fleeing violence or abuse, our first priority is your safety.  We accept new youth at our building 24 hours a day.  If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 and can’t get yourself to the shelter, call our hotline, 1-866-561-7429, for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 first.

Shelter is a safe place, but it’s not the best place.  When you call, or arrive, you can expect us to spend some time helping you to try and think of other safe options.  If you have other safe options, we will ask you to use those options instead of the shelter.

When you arrive at the shelter or day program:

• Your belongings will be searched and any weapons, drugs, or contraband found will be confiscated.
• A Youth Engagement Specialist will give you a tour, ask you some basic questions about your situation, and help you with any immediate needs…food, shower, etc.
• You will be assigned a bed, tote and locker in the shelter, and/or a storage cubby in the Day Program.
• If safe to do so, call your guardian to let them know that you are safe.

Once you are settled, you will meet with a Youth Transition Coordinator to complete intake paperwork and begin working on a plan for next steps.  If you have a guardian, a Youth Transition Coordinator will also reach out to learn more about them. 

As soon as able, a team meeting will be scheduled with you and your support system to learn more about your needs, goals, and the types of help you would like with meeting those goals.