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The Salvation Army Youth Shelters Image

The Salvation Army Youth Shelters

Stepping Stones of Support: The Salvation Army Youth Shelters Transform Lives

It's heart-wrenching to know that in the United States, more than half a million individuals are struggling with homelessness. Sadly, a significant number of unhoused people are young adults. Child homelessness is often an issue many perceive as occurring in other countries or exclusively in developing nations, but in fact, children and young adults are without adequate shelter in communities across the country every day. 

Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States, 700,000 of which are unaccompanied minors—meaning they are not part of a family or accompanied by a parent or guardian. These estimates indicate that approximately one in 10 adults ages 18 to 25, will experience homelessness each year. 

To help meet this critical need, The Salvation Army Youth Shelters provide support and shelter for homeless youth. Our youth shelters serve as beacons of hope, offering programs and critical aid for young individuals experiencing housing insecurity to set them on the path toward a brighter future.

Are you or someone you know in need of shelter?

The best way to find your nearest shelter is by contacting your local Salvation Army.

 

Beyond a Roof: An All-Inclusive Approach to Helping Homeless Youths

Did you know that in the United States, approximately 4.2 million young people experience homelessness each year? This includes those who are unaccompanied by an adult and those who are part of a family unit. In fact, youth homelessness is one of the fastest-growing social issues facing our country today. 

At The Salvation Army Youth Shelters, we understand the unique challenges that young adults experiencing homelessness face. LGBTQ+ youths, in particular, are at a higher risk of homelessness due to discrimination and family rejection based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. That's why our doors are always open to young people of all gender identities (including non-binary and/or transgender youth), sexual orientations, and gender expressions. 

Our temporary shelter provides a safe and supportive environment for young people, and our goal is to provide not just a temporary refuge but also resources and services to help unhoused youth overcome the impacts of poverty. This includes connections to medical care, mental health services, and case management to help unhoused youth move toward permanent housing. 

We also understand the importance of family reunification when possible, and we can assist with obtaining birth certificates and other important documents needed for reunification. If family reunification is not possible, we can assist with finding safe, alternative permanent housing options. 

Empowering Youth, Changing Lives     

For many young adults, finding a safe, welcoming place to go can be difficult. The Salvation Army offers a range of youth services and shelter options to help support and assist individuals in such a crisis. With nearly 1,800 locations across the United States, The Salvation Army provides a variety of services for LGBTQ teens, homeless youth, and other populations experiencing housing insecurity. Our youth shelters offer a wide range of services to address the diverse needs of homeless youth. From temporary shelter and access to nutritious meals to health care services, our shelters act as lifelines for young people in need. Furthermore, The Salvation Army has specialized programs tailored to fit the unique needs of specific groups, such as LGBTQ youth, teen parents, and other marginalized individuals. In these ways, The Salvation Army youth homeless shelters provide a safe place and critical services for youth experiencing housing insecurity.   

  At Salvation Army Youth Shelters, we prioritize providing the essentials to those who come to us for help. Upon arrival, we provide each client with access to basic necessities such as food, hygiene products, and clothing. Moreover, depending on the specific shelter location we  also provide access to additional resources and services such as: 

  • Support for finding other housing options.  
  • Conflict mediation with natural supports (family and friends).  
  • Health and wellness services. 
  • Educational programs and skills training. 
  • Legal advocacy. 
  • Case management. 
  • Voluntary spiritual counseling and Bible study.  

Most emergency youth shelters are for unaccompanied youth aged 18-24, although the age range may vary by location. Shelter stays can range from 30 to 90 days.   

The Children's Shelter in Kansas City, Missouri, provides emergency shelter care for Missouri resident children unable to remain in their homes due to a family crisis, issues of abuse, and/or neglect. Clinical social work services are provided by licensed social work staff and include individual, family, and group counseling. Both staff and volunteers are trained to support children as they cope with the issues of grief, loss, separation, abuse, and neglect. 

The Salvation Army Way In Youth Services in Hollywood, California, has become home to many of the 8,000 homeless youths who sleep on the streets of Los Angeles each night.  Their programs include emergency shelter services, which provide a safe and secure environment for homeless youth in need of immediate assistance. The Way In also offers transitional housing programs that focus on long-term stability, equipping young individuals with the necessary tools and resources to obtain independent living arrangements. Additionally, the program provides educational support, including tutoring and access to educational resources, to ensure that homeless youths can continue their education and build a brighter future. The Way In acknowledges the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and provides targeted support through LGBTQ programs. These programs create safe spaces where young individuals can be themselves, receive support, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences. 

Each year, The Salvation Army Syracuse Youth Shelter and Residential Programs provides services to more than 2,000 unhoused teens in Syracuse, New York. Made up of Barnabas Center for Youth, The Transitional Apartments and Parenting Center (TAPC), State Street Apartments, Booth House, Barnabas Apartments, and Barnabas Shelter, this program provides comprehensive services to area youth experiencing homelessness with a level of service typically reserved for youth who are unable to return to families or relatives. 

In addition, The Salvation Army also offers specific long-term housing for parenting youth or young people who are pregnant or are parenting an infant or child. These facilities offer a supportive and caring environment, parenting classes, and referrals to community resources. 

Exploring Community Compassion: How The Salvation Army Youth Shelters Help Homeless and Housing-Insecure Youth  

We want to ensure that our youth shelters are a welcoming and safe space for any young person experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We understand that not having a safe and/or stable housing situation can be incredibly challenging, and we are here to provide support to those in need. 

  We know that not all cities have the same resources available, which is why in cities where we do not currently operate homeless shelters, we work hard to connect those facing housing and food insecurity with partner programs that can offer emergency shelter services or financial assistance to help cover the cost of emergency overnight housing. We are committed to doing everything in our power to help those in need find a safe place to stay, no matter where they are located. 

 Anyone who meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria for homelessness is eligible for assistance from our youth shelters. The guidelines from the HUD website include:  

  • Residing in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings, streets, and sidewalks.  
  • Residing in an emergency shelter.  
  • Residing in transitional or supportive housing after originally being unhoused or from residing in emergency shelter.  
  • Being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit with no subsequent residence identified while lacking resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.  
  • Being discharged within a week from an institution in which you have been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days with no subsequent residence identified, such as a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility or a jail/prison.  
  • Fleeing a domestic violence housing situation with no subsequent residence identified and lacking the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing. 

Creating Hope

Success Stories of Youths Who have benefited from The Salvation Army Youth Shelters 

The impact of The Salvation Army Youth Shelters can be evidenced by the inspiring success stories of youth who have recieved help from our programs.  Their stories showcase the transformative power of compassionate care. These narratives shed light on the resilience and strength of homeless youths and how integral The Salvation Army youth shelters have been as a turning point in their journey toward a better future. 

The Booth Brown House Youth Energency Shelter is a vital resource for homeless youth in the Northern U.S. region. With a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of homeless youth, the shelter provides emergency accommodation, nutritious meals, and access to essential services. Opened in the summer of 2012, this emergency youth shelter can house 16 homeless youths, ages 18-21, on any given night. The Booth Brown House provides a wealth of programming intent on going beyond the provision of shelter and meals. In addition to connecting residents with a wide range of services designed to address the root causes of homelessness, Booth Brown House offers a safe and supportive environment for young people who find themselves without stable housing.  

Lending a Hand: How Your Support Can Help The Salvation Army Youth Shelters Thrive  

You can make a difference in the lives of homeless youths by supporting The Salvation Army Youth Shelters. There are various ways to lend a hand, such as volunteering your time, making a donation, or organizing fundraising events. By getting involved, you contribute to the sustainability of these shelters and enable them to continue providing essential services to those in need. Together, we can create a community where every young person has access to safety, support, and opportunities for a better future.  

Building a Brighter Future: Getting Involved with The Salvation Army Youth Shelters

The Salvation Army Youth Shelters are an essential resource for homeless youth, offering not just shelter but also hope, guidance, and a chance at a better life. By highlighting their holistic approach, sharing success stories, and exploring ways to support their mission, we hope to inspire individuals and communities to act.  

Serving All Without Discrimination

In providing programs and services to members of the community who are unhoused, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.