Alternative House--The Abused and Homeless Children's Refuge provides support for at-risk children, youth and their families through counseling, shelter, crisis intervention and outreach.
Alternative House, one of the oldest runaway shelters for teenagers, began as a small program in 1972 and has evolved into a system of services designed to respond to the changing needs of today's youth.
The Emergency Teen Shelter is a voluntary two-week crisis shelter for teens ages 13-17. While at the shelter teens receive individual, group and family counseling, and participate in life skills education and recreation activities. In addition, there is a 24-hour crisis hotline, 1-800-SAY-TEEN, available to anyone who needs information, support or referrals.
The Community Outreach Program began 12 years ago. It includes the Culmore Teen Center, which provides neighborhood 7th-12th graders a safe place to spend their free time. Activities include games and sports, a computer center, meals, and counseling. Staff with the Mobile Outreach Project provide youth on the streets with counseling, resources, referrals, food, clothing and supplies. The newest addition to the outreach program is the Safe Youth Project (SYP), which provides after-school programs to 4th-6th graders that include homework tutoring, workshops, recreation activities, and counseling.
The AYM (Assisting Young Mothers) Program opened early last summer. It is an 18 month group home for homeless pregnant and parenting teenagers and their children. Participants receive counseling and support, which includes life skills, parenting skills and job readiness training. The young children participate in an early childhood development program.
