Crisis Care
Harnessing the energy from crisis to create lasting change.
Helping Homeless Youth
We empower homeless, precariously-housed and at-risk youth to develop a sense of well-being, unlock their potential and work toward self-sufficiency.
This fiscal year, we have provided an average of 60 nights of emergency shelter per month, usually in the form of hotel stays. In a single day, we help up to twenty youth in crisis. And those are just the ones who come through our doors; we receive many calls from homeless youth who hesitate to take the first step.
We believe getting help should be free from judgement, excessive red tape and restrictive policies. We believe—deeply—in second chances. We understand tough love and the importance of a lifeline at rock bottom.
And we never underestimate the power of a homemade meal, a shower, clean clothes and a hug.
Shelter
Emergency shelter, usually in the form of a hotel stay or extended couch surfing, is provided for homeless and precariously-housed youth while stable, safe and affordable housing is identified.
Feed
Homemade lunches are provided daily to our youth in crisis.Also, dinner, breakfast and snacks are provided and often delivered to youth during hotel stays.
Clothe
Youth often walk through our doors in clothes they have worn for more than a week and their belongings in a trash bag. We provide clothing, shoes, winter coats, and suitcases to transport them. .
Guide
Youth, having lived in survival mode, have not had the time in adulthood to cultivate resourceful relationships. Our staff and mentors work with youth to develop a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Connect
Connecting youth in crisis with a healthy and authentic community provides them with the anchor they need to feel stable and safe.
Empower
Empowering youth to become self-sufficient, sustainable, and to build the future they envision.
“We are often asked where homeless youth come from. The answer is: everywhere. They age out of foster care or the youth shelter. They are “kicked out” because they got a “C” on their report card. They leave because of emotional and physical abuse. They leave the Adult Detention Center homeless. They come out as LGBTQ+ and are no longer welcome at home. They make mistakes, or don’t live up to parent expectations. They have unaddressed traumas. Whatever the reason, we help them rise out of homelessness and into the life they envision.”
— Donna Fortier, Founder & CEO
For the youth we serve, progress is not always a straight line. For most of our kids, zigzags are the rule rather than the exception. They are wrestling with intense issues with layers of complexities that are difficult to unravel. We give them a soft place to land, a safe place to stay and the opportunity to connect with peers and staff while they figure out the right next step.
Follow our Journey.
