Runaway & Homeless Shelters

CV operates homeless shelters to care for runaway and homeless youth in Westchester and Rockland Counties.

Westchester: The Sanctuary

When Westchester teens run away from home, are in need of respite services or otherwise become homeless, The Children’s Village’s Sanctuary program is often the only thing between them and frightening and dangerous nights on the streets. The Sanctuary is the only shelter for youth in the County, and has been operated since 1994 by The Children’s Village. The program was expanded in 2003 from a capacity of 12 to 14. Westchester County Youth 12 to 17 years old may access The Sanctuary 24 hours a day, 7 days per week by calling the hotline or being referred by the Street Outreach program, police, guidance counselors, therapists, community leaders, chruch groups or other professionals. The Sanctuary is a short-term program and, barring unusual circumstances youth may stay for a maximum of 21-30 days depending on the type of services needed. The admission process is simple. It only takes a call and a youth’s willingness to be admitted. The Sanctuary is a “Safe Space” for LGBTQ youth and is able to accommodate both male and female youth.

Westchester Emergency Hotline: 1-888-997-1583

Anyone can call – teens who need help, their friends, parents, teachers or any concerned person in the community. Trained counselors can sometimes resolve a problem on the phone. If not, they can get help and advice over the hotline. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every call is completely confidential.

Rockland: Project Turning Point

The Children’s Village operates Project Turning Point, Rockland County’s only shelter for runaway and homeless youth, both male and female, ages 14-21 in Clarkstown, NY. Project Turning Point provides comprehensive shelter services (including food, clothing and medical care) and life skills development to approximately 80 youth annually Project Turning Point is a “Safe Space” for LGBTQ youth and admission is a simple process. The youth calls our hotline and requests admission. There is no lengthy admission application.

Project Turning Point serves youth who are aging out of foster care, have signed themselves out of foster care, or are in the community experiencing family problems. These youth all have an extremely high need for housing support. Because of their age, they have difficulty in entering other social services and are vulnerable to homelessness. Project Turning Point provides a safe environment that stabilizes these young people and helps them get connected to other county services. Referrals to Project Turning Point come from DSS, probation, schools, church groups, parole, private therapists, family members, peers, social service agencies, etc.

Project Turning Point provides healthy meals, access to medical care, in-depth assessments, individual and/or group/family counseling, recreation, and positive youth development activities. All youth are supported in continuing their education in their home school district and transported to school daily. Staff works to address immediate needs and help youth either reunite with their families or find safe and healthy alternative living arrangements.

Rockland Emergency Hotline: 1-888-540-7680