NEPA Youth Shelter

The mission of the NEPA Youth Shelter is to provide quality emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth ages 14 through high school graduation from all counties in NEPA. With a focus on social justice and advocacy, we welcome youth from all backgrounds and especially affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, as this population constitutes a high percentage of homeless youth in our area.

The NEPA Youth Shelter currently runs two programs:

Our Housing Program is for 18-21 year old young adults who are homeless and have no other support system. We provide an apartment and utilities. We give them a monthly allowance for groceries. We ensure that they get and protect their personal documents. If the client is a high school student, we ensure they are registered and attend classes. We also coach them on job skills and encourage them to work part time while they complete high school. We assist them with post-secondary school options and guide them in the direction they want to go. We will help them apply for college, trade school or obtain full-time employment. The contract period is one year. We own an apartment building and can use donations to help make it amazing! 

Our After School Drop-In Teen Center is a place for all teens ages 14 through high school graduation looking for a safe space to hang out and have some fun! We provide essentials such as food, clothing, and bathrooms, as well as services such as educational support, group activities and learning opportunities. We encourage our teens to pursue their talents and interests with an art room, a studio to record and edit music and video content, and a dedicated game room. We are currently getting settled in our new Teen Center space and can use donations to finish construction and set-up.

Thank you so much on behalf of our teens, volunteers, staff and board!

Who We Are

Founded in 2016, we operate two important programs for low-income, at-risk teens in NEPA. We host an after school teen drop in center that provides teens with food, clothing, games, art, a recording studio and community. We also sponsor a Rapid Rehousing Programs for teens who are homeless. This program provides financial support for teens for one year so that they can finish their high school education with the security of a roof over their head, food in their belly and the guidance and support of a Life Skills Coach. Both programs promote self-esteem and education, We partner with many other nonprofits to provide opportunities such as field trips, art experiences, theater experiences, job training, job preparation, and so much more!