Casa Youth Shelter

For over 47 years, Casa Youth Shelter has been a safe haven for youth ages 12–17 who are facing some of the hardest moments of their lives—abuse, neglect, homelessness, and family crisis. From our shelter in Los Alamitos, nestled between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, we provide round-the-clock care, every day of the year. But we’re hearing more cries for help than ever before. 

That’s why we created Casa CARES  (Child Alliance Responders Ensuring Safety) —our new program designed especially for Long Beach youth.

Casa CARES brings calm, caring support directly to schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. When a student shares that something at home doesn’t feel safe, school staff reports to CPS and then can reach out to our team by phone or text. If the student needs a safe place to stay, a trained responder from Casa Youth Shelter will meet them right at school, gently guide them through the next steps, and bring them to Casa if needed. For those who don’t come into shelter care, we offer counseling, resources, and someone who truly listens.

Sometimes, just knowing there’s a trusted adult to turn to can be life-changing.

We also help high school students who are 18 (and have historically fallen through the cracks), making sure they have food, hygiene items, critical resources for stability, and a caring hand when it’s needed most.

And because crisis doesn’t start at school, we’re offering parenting classes on campus—judgment-free spaces where caregivers can learn new tools, break harmful cycles, and build stronger relationships with their kids. We also train school staff on how to recognize signs that a student may be in trouble and how to connect them to support right away.

Casa CARES is about being there in the moment a young person reaches out, and long before things get worse.

With your help through Long Beach Gives, we can be there when it matters most. You can help a child feel safe. Help a family find a new way forward, together. Help a school know they’re not alone.

This year through Long Beach Gives, your support helps us show up for the kids who need us most, before it’s too late.

Testimonials

The youth we serve come to us from a place of crisis - it's our job to ensure they come out of that crisis knowing that they aren't alone. Their voices reflect the impact of Casa Youth Shelter's work:

"Thanks for checking if I was hungry last night. It made me feel like I mattered."

"Being at Casa showed me what a real home and family are like. I honestly never really felt like someone cared before."

"Every single one of you guys made this place feel safe and chill. It made me feel like I could breathe."

"I'm honestly proud that I didn't give up on myself, even though my life is pretty messed up."

"I like how it feels like a house here. As soon as you walk in, it feels welcoming."

"Thank you for helping me see that I'm not alone."

"Thank you for making me feel safe here."