Arbor Youth Services, Inc.

Arbor Youth Services is Central Kentucky’s only emergency shelter for unaccompanied minors. Open 24/7, we provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for youth who are experiencing homelessness, often due to abuse, neglect, family rejection or aging out of the foster care system. 

AYS consists of two separate facilities, one for youth under 18 and one for ages 18-24.  Both houses provide shelter, food, support and resources to those experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of victimization. Every child and young adult deserves safety, dignity, and a chance at a better future.

The 18-24 House also serves as a day drop in center from 7a-7p, where any youth experiencing homelessness (or housing insecurity) can grab a meal, take a shower, wash clothes and speak to a Housing Advocate.  Overnight, we're an emergency shelter with 11 beds, providing a safe and comfortable space for those in need. We hope to provide an additional 9 beds (bringing our total to 20) when/if we get funding for a sprinkler system. 

In addition, Arbor is a designated Safe Place shelter and manages the Safe Place program across Fayette County. Any youth under 21 in crisis can go to a Safe Place site—marked by the recognizable yellow diamond sign—and we’ll respond immediately to provide shelter or connect them to services that meet their urgent needs.

For 50 years, Arbor Youth Services has been a lifeline for the region’s most vulnerable youth. It takes significant community support to continue this vital work, and we’re deeply grateful for every donation, volunteer, and advocate who stands with us. It truly takes a village—and we’re committed to doing our part!