Helping Youth

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Violence impacts young people of all ages and backgrounds - from children who live in safe, stable homes to those who live on the street. Children and young people can be exposed to violence and abuse through many channels, from witnessing violence in the media to seeing it happen in their own homes. They may be exposed to gang violence, bullying, child abuse, or relationship abuse.

Homeless youth are often affected by all these issues while they live on the street, facing the constant threat of danger, abuse, and exploitation with few opportunities to escape. Safe Horizon's programs for young people are designed to reach them where they are, to provide immediate and practical assistance to at-risk, vulnerable youth.

Streetwork Project: Homeless and Street-Involved Youth

Safe Horizon's Streetwork Project began in 1984, developing out of the growing and critical need to address the increasing numbers of homeless young people in New York City. Young people who become homeless have often escaped homes where they were victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or other violent crimes. Young people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning) are also more likely to face becoming homeless - where they and other vulnerable young people face further violence, abuse, and exploitation.

Streetwork's goal is to give homeless and disenfranchised youth their chance to reclaim their lives, their dignity, and their self-worth. The program has grown from a small storefront to one that offers two drop-in centers, emergency shelter, and overnight services, making more than 19,000 contacts with homeless young people every year.

Young people who come to Streetwork find hot meals, clean clothing, and showers, as well as individual counseling, crisis intervention, access to medical and mental health care and treatment, emergency shelter, and other practical assistance. Most important, young people find a refuge where our staff offers a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere that encourages young people to take what they need at their own pace.

Learn more about the Streetwork Project.