The Youth Shelter Program - Including Street Beat Outreach

Homeless adolescents are sleeping under overpasses in cardboard boxes, or in unheated abandoned buildings, eating out of garbage bins, and being physically, sexually and emotionally abused by others.

The vast majority of these teens have no place to go, but to the streets. Some resort to prostitution or drug dealing to earn money. Basic needs, such as safety, security, shelter and food are rarely met. Health care is a forgotten luxury. The harm inflicted on them as a result is enormous, and the scars are tangible and long-lived.

For over 35 years, Pathfinders continues to respond to this crisis through its Youth Shelter program. Tragically, the demand for Youth Shelter’ support and services is so high many of those in need are unable to receive it. Current program resources accommodate one of every three who ask for emergency shelter. Pathfinders simply doesn't have the resources or the staff to do more.

In 2007…

• 99% of the youth receiving counseling services at Youth Shelter had a runaway/homeless situation prevented.
• 91% of the youth who received shelter care were placed back into their home or in an alternative living environment that was safe and secure.
• 82% of youth and 56% of parents reported an improvement with their problems that had been initially identified prior to services.
• 80% of the youth encountered by the Street Beat outreach program experienced a positive behavioral change and reduced risk levels of sexual abuse and exploitation.