You Are Not Alone: Help for Runaway & Homeless Youth
Sometimes home isn’t a safe place. Sometimes the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones hurting you. Sometimes you’re told to leave, pushed out, or find yourself with nowhere to go. And sometimes, running away feels like the only option you have.
Whatever brought you here, I want you to know something: You are not a bad kid, you are not a problem, and you are not alone.
Young people become homeless for all kinds of reasons. Abuse, neglect, family rejection, disagreements, unsafe living conditions, and circumstances beyond their control can leave teens struggling to find somewhere safe to sleep or someone they can trust. You don’t have to explain or justify your situation to deserve help.
There are organizations across the country dedicated to helping young people just like you. Some provide emergency shelter, others offer food, clothing, counseling, legal assistance, and help finding a more permanent place to live. Many services allow young people to reach out on their own, without having a parent make the first call.
You may have questions about your rights, what happens if you leave home, whether you can get help without involving your parents, or where you can go tonight. Those are important questions, and you deserve honest answers.
You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be heard. And you deserve the chance to build a future that is better than your circumstances today.
We’ve gathered resources to help you understand your options and find assistance in your state. You don’t have to figure everything out today. Just take the next step when you’re ready.
ALABAMA — RUNAWAY & HOMELESS YOUTH RESOURCES
ALABASTER
Family Connection — Runaway/Homeless Youth Center
- Ages: 12–17
- Services: 24-hour emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth; food, clothing, counseling, case management, and life-skills support. Shelter stays are short-term, with the goal of safe family reunification when appropriate or another stable living arrangement.
- Address: 2 Walker Run, Alabaster, AL 35007
- 24-hour emergency helpline: 205-664-2273
- Main phone: 205-663-6301
- Website: https://familyconnection-inc.org/
- Important: The young person must be willing to seek shelter themselves. A parent cannot simply call and place a child there.
BIRMINGHAM
Family Connection — Project HOPE Day Center & Street Outreach
- Ages: 16–22
- Services: Drop-in support for runaway and homeless youth, street outreach, food, clothing, essential supplies, case management, transportation assistance, and counseling.
- Address: 5373 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Phone: 205-252-4673
- Website: https://familyconnection-inc.org/
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama — Project Independence
- Ages: 16–21
- Eligibility: Homeless pregnant or parenting young people.
- Services: Transitional housing for young mothers and their children, career and life-skills training, and support toward stable independent living.
- Address: 2141 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Phone: 205-943-5327
- Website: https://www.childrensaid.org/
- Important: Housing is in Birmingham, but referrals are accepted from anywhere in Alabama. Appointment required; no program fee.
AIDS Alabama — The Way Station
- Emergency shelter ages: 19–29
- Transitional housing ages: 19–24
- Services: Emergency shelter, temporary and transitional housing, crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed support, case management, education/GED assistance, employment preparation, vocational training, and help moving toward permanent housing.
- Address: Birmingham, AL (contact the program for current intake location and directions).
- Phone: 205-324-9822
- Email: info@aidsalabama.org
- Website: https://www.aidsalabama.org/thewaystation
- Important: This program serves young adults, not minors. Emergency shelter and transitional housing have different age requirements and intake procedures.
Youth Towers
- Ages: Young adults; contact the program to confirm current age eligibility.
- Services: Street outreach for unsheltered young adults, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, case management, transportation assistance, housing stabilization, career counseling, job preparation, tutoring, and life-skills training.
- Phone: 205-234-9972
- Email: alicewestery@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.youthtowers.org/
- Important: Focuses on young adults and housing stability. Contact them to confirm eligibility and available housing assistance.
Project Success Ministries — Second Chance Program
- Eligibility: At-risk, runaway, trafficked, or exploited youth in the Jefferson County/Metro Birmingham area. Contact the program to confirm current age and placement requirements.
- Services: Emergency housing (the program describes placements of up to 12 months), meals, safe shelter, bathing facilities, educational support, vocational training, groups, and wraparound services. Also provides street outreach and crisis intervention.
- Day-program location: 1524 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL
- Main phone: 1-866-690-0007
- Human-trafficking rescue line: 205-502-7639
- Website: https://www.projectsuccessministries.com/psm-youth-programs
- Important: Some residential placements require referrals from approved agencies. Call to ask about the appropriate intake route.
DECATUR
Morgan County System of Services — HANDS HOME
- Ages: 10–17
- Services: Short-term residential placement for youth in crisis, including a safe place to stay while family conflict and individual needs are assessed. Offers individual and group counseling and life-skills support. Stays are generally up to 21 days, with extensions sometimes possible.
- Address: 1611 Church Street, Decatur, AL 35601
- Girls’ phone: 256-584-0380
- Boys’ phone: 256-686-4835
- Website: https://morgancountysos.com/
- Important: This is a short-term youth crisis placement program, not a dedicated runaway shelter. It serves Morgan and Limestone counties. Youth may self-present when they need shelter; call first if possible.
TUSKEGEE
BRIDGES Girls Runaway Shelter — TEARS, Inc.
- Ages: Female youth 13–17
- Length of stay: Up to 21 days
- Services: Short-term shelter for runaway and homeless girls, including a safe bed, food, clean clothing, personal hygiene support, GED and employment opportunities, individual and family counseling, medical services, and legal assistance.
- Phone: 334-226-1255
- Website: https://bridgesgirls.org/
- Important: This is a girls-only runaway and homeless youth shelter. Call for current intake instructions and directions.
ANCHORAGE
Covenant House Alaska — Youth Engagement Center
- Ages: 13–24
- Services: 24-hour emergency shelter, street outreach, meals, showers, clothing, hygiene supplies, crisis intervention, counseling, medical care, education and employment assistance, case management, and help finding longer-term housing.
- Address: 755 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
- 24-hour phone: 907-272-1255
- Email: housingleadership@covenanthouseak.org
- Website: https://covenanthouseak.org/
- Additional programs:
- MACK House: Specialized housing for homeless minors ages 13–17.
- Rights of Passage: Transitional housing for young adults ages 18–24.
- Passage House: Residential housing for pregnant teens and young parents ages 17–21.
- Covey Lofts: Affordable independent housing for eligible young adults ages 18–24.
Power Center — Youth Outreach & Drop-In
- Ages: 13–23
- Services: Youth drop-in center and clinic, peer support, access to resources and education, and a safe place to connect with supportive adults and other young people.
- Address: 2601 Arctic Avenue, Anchorage, AK
- Phone: 907-929-2633
- Important: This is a youth outreach and drop-in service, not an overnight shelter.
- Resource listing: Anchorage Municipality Community Emergency & Advocacy Resources — https://www.muni.org/littlebluebook
FAIRBANKS
Fairbanks Native Association — SOAP Basic Center
- Ages: 12–17
- Services: 24-hour emergency shelter for youth who have run away, are homeless, or are at high risk of homelessness. Provides temporary housing for up to 21 days, screening and assessment, counseling, life-skills support, case management, transportation, and outreach.
- Phone: 907-452-6251 or 907-456-4849
- Administrative address: 3830 S. Cushman Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Website: https://www.fairbanksnative.org/soap-basic-center/
- Important: Contact the program for shelter intake instructions and location.
Fairbanks Youth Advocates — The Door Youth Shelter
- Ages: 6–18
- Services: 24-hour emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth, safe place to sleep, meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, education and career coaching, resources, and life-skills development.
- Address: 138 10th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Phone: 907-374-5678
- Email: admin@fairbanksyouthadvocates.org
- Website: https://fairbanksyouthadvocates.org/thedoor-2/
Fairbanks Youth Advocates — EVOLVE Transitional Housing
- Ages: 18–24
- Services: Transitional housing for young adults experiencing homelessness, with supportive services to help build independence and housing stability.
- Phone: 907-374-5678
- Website: https://fairbanksyouthadvocates.org/programs/
- Important: Contact the organization for current housing availability and eligibility.
JUNEAU
Shéiyi X̱aat Hít — Youth Shelter
- Ages: 10–17
- Services: 24-hour emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, or housing-unstable youth. Provides a safe place to sleep, meals, individual support, crisis intervention, and help developing a plan for safety and stability.
- Address: 9290 Hurlock Avenue, Juneau, AK 99801
- 24-hour phone: 907-364-7481
- Website: https://juneau.org/parks-recreation/zach-gordon/youth-shelter
- Important: Youth may also ask for help at participating Safe Place locations. Staff can respond to provide crisis assistance.
WASILLA — MAT-SU VALLEY
MY House — Mat-Su Youth Services
- Ages: 14–25
- Services: Housing and crisis support for homeless and at-risk youth, crisis beds, transitional housing, case management, behavioral health support, food, clothing, showers, laundry, peer support, transportation assistance, education and job training, help obtaining identification and vital documents, and independent-living skills.
- Drop-in Center: 300 N. Willow Street, Wasilla, AK
- Phone: 907-373-4357
- After-hours emergency phone: 907-715-4358
- Email: info@myhousematsu.org
- Website: https://myhousematsu.org/
- Important: Serves youth throughout the Mat-Su Valley and beyond. Call for current housing availability and age-specific eligibility.
Choosing Our Roots — LGBTQIA+ Youth & Young Adult Housing Support
- Eligibility: LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Contact the organization for current age requirements.
- Services: Housing support and assistance for LGBTQIA+ young people.
- Service area: Mat-Su and Anchorage region.
- Website: https://www.choosingourroots.org/
- Important: Contact the organization directly to ask about current housing placements and eligibility.
STATEWIDE ALASKA SUPPORT
Alaska 211 — Housing & Shelter Referrals
- Services: Connects people with local shelter, housing, and other support resources throughout Alaska, including communities without a dedicated youth shelter.
- Phone: Dial 211
- Website: https://alaska211.org/
- Important: Ask specifically for runaway and homeless youth programs and age-appropriate emergency shelter.
Alaska Careline
- Services: 24-hour crisis support for people experiencing emotional distress or crisis, including young people and concerned family members.
- Phone: 877-266-4357
- Website: https://carelinealaska.com/
- Important: This is a crisis line, not a housing placement service.
FLAGSTAFF
Homeless Youth Connection (HYC)
Service Area: Maricopa and Coconino Counties, including Flagstaff
Ages: 13–21
Website: https://hycaz.org/
Services: Helps homeless and housing-insecure high school students with housing assistance, host-family placements, food, clothing, hygiene supplies, educational support, case management, employment guidance, and independent living skills.
Eligibility: Must attend high school in Maricopa or Coconino County and meet McKinney-Vento homelessness eligibility requirements.
Northland Family Help Center — Youth Shelter
Location: Confidential, Flagstaff, AZ
Phone: (877) 634-2723
Website: https://www.northlandfamily.org/
Ages: 17 and younger
Services: Provides gender-inclusive shelter and supportive services for runaway and homeless youth, including young people involved with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Accepts referrals from youth themselves as well as appropriate agencies.
KINGMAN
Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)
Location: 2701 E. Andy Devine Avenue, Suite 115, Kingman, AZ 86401
Phone: (928) 692-5889
Toll-Free: (877) 882-2881
Email: azyp@azyp.org
Website: https://www.azyp.org/
Ages: Contact organization for program-specific age requirements.
Services: Provides shelter, life-skills training, resources, and support for young people who have run away or are experiencing homelessness. Additional programs include healthy relationship education, youth development, and substance-use prevention.
PHOENIX
Lifeology AZ — Youth Crisis Shelter & Safe Place
Location: 3718 S. 62nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Phone: (602) 349-8708
Youth Crisis Line: (888) 290-7233
Text: Text SAFE and your current location to 44357
Website: https://lifeologyaz.org/
Ages: 14–23, depending on program.
Services: Emergency shelter for youth ages 14–17, including meals, basic necessities, counseling, and family support. Transitional housing and independent-living support are available for eligible young adults ages 18–23.
Safe Place: Youth can seek assistance at participating Safe Place locations.
Native American Connections — HomeBase Youth Services
Location: 931 E. Devonshire Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: (602) 263-5531
Website: https://www.nativeconnections.org/housing/youth/
Ages: 18–24
Services: Emergency shelter, drop-in services, meals, showers, laundry, counseling, healthcare connections, and case management for young adults experiencing homelessness.
Native American Connections — Saguaro Ki Transitional Living
Location: 4205 N. 9th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: (602) 263-5531
Website: https://www.nativeconnections.org/housing/youth/
Ages: 18–24
Services: Furnished studio apartments and supportive services for eligible young adults transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Residents sign a six-month lease, with rent based on 30% of income.
one·n·ten — LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adult Services
Location: 1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 400-2601
Email: office@onenten.org
Website: https://onenten.org/
Ages: 14–24
Services: LGBTQ+ youth support, youth development, workforce assistance, housing navigation, and supportive programs. Its POND housing program assists eligible young adults with housing opportunities.
Note: This organization does not provide emergency shelter.
SURPRISE
Native American Connections — HomeBase Surprise
Location: 12215 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85378
Phone: (602) 648-9737
Website: https://www.nativeconnections.org/housing/youth/
Ages: 18–24
Services: Emergency shelter and drop-in support for young adults experiencing homelessness. Services include dormitory-style shelter, meals, showers, laundry, case management, healthcare connections, counseling, and assistance developing a stable housing plan.
TUCSON
Our Family Services — Reunion House and Homeless Youth Programs
Location: 2590 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Youth Ages 12–17: (520) 320-5122
Young Adults Ages 18–24: (520) 323-1708, extension 103
Housing Email: housing@ourfamilyservices.org
Website: https://www.ourfamilyservices.org/homeless-youth/
Services: Emergency shelter, street outreach, housing assistance, and supportive services for runaway and homeless youth.
Reunion House provides voluntary, no-cost, 24-hour emergency shelter for youth ages 12–17, including meals, transportation, educational support, family support, and connections to community services.
Young adults ages 18–24 can access housing programs, case management, employment and education assistance, and independent living support.
Youth On Their Own (YOTO)
Location: 2525 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: (520) 293-1136
Toll-Free: (866) 496-8612
Website: https://yoto.org/
Ages: 12–24
Services: Supports unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness so they can remain in school and graduate. Assistance includes financial support, food, clothing, hygiene supplies, school supplies, individual guidance, and connections to community resources.
Eligibility: Young people must be experiencing housing instability, living without a biological parent or legal guardian, and enrolled or enrolling in a Pima County school.
Arizona Youth Partnership — Statewide Youth Support
Administrative Office: 2210 E. Fort Lowell Road, Suite 201, Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: (520) 744-9595
Toll-Free: (877) 882-2881
Email: azyp@azyp.org
Website: https://www.azyp.org/
Service Area: Programs and services throughout Arizona.
Services: Youth development, life-skills education, healthy relationship programs, prevention education, and connections to youth shelter and direct-support programs. Contact the organization to locate services available in your community.
STATEWIDE INFORMATION AND REFERRALS
Arizona 2-1-1
Phone: 2-1-1
Website: https://211arizona.org/
Services: Information and referrals for housing, emergency shelter, food, healthcare, youth programs, and other community resources throughout Arizona. Ask specifically for runaway and homeless youth services.
Arizona Department of Child Safety — Independent Living Programs
Phone: (602) 255-2500
Website: https://dcs.az.gov/
Ages: Primarily eligible current and former foster youth transitioning into adulthood.
Services: Independent living preparation, budgeting, employment assistance, housing guidance, and support for eligible young people transitioning out of foster care.
Arizona Department of Housing — Homeless Assistance Agencies
Website: https://housing.az.gov/general-public/homeless-assistance-agencies
Services: Statewide directory of homeless assistance agencies and housing services. This directory can help locate additional community programs in rural areas and counties not represented above. Always confirm whether an agency serves minors or young adults before referring a young person.
IMPORTANT: Program ages, shelter availability, eligibility, and referral procedures can change. Contact each organization directly to confirm current services before traveling or making a referral. Emergency shelter for minors and housing programs for adults are listed separately so young people and families can identify the appropriate service.
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