On a single night in January 2015, there were 2,493 homeless teens on the streets of New York State. And that’s not including the thousands of kids who couch surf or spend some nights on the streets because they don’t feel safe at home.
Children’s Village operates a number of programs to get these teens off the streets, give them temporary shelter, and help them on a path to a safe living situation.
Children’s Village operates Maya’s Place in the Bronx and The Sanctuary in Westchester County. Both are warm, inviting homes that offer safe alternatives to frightening and dangerous nights on the streets.
The Sanctuary welcomes all youth under 18. We accept, and have space for pregnant teens.
Teens can come to the shelters any time day or night. Youth can call the hotlines, speak to a Street Outreach worker, or ask for help from a police officer, guidance counselor, or other professional.
The most common reason for a teen coming to the shelter is a conflict with a parent or guardian, but teens come because they have been abandoned, are being trafficked, or have been living on the streets. The shelters are totally voluntary. Youth can stay up to 30 days, but can leave any time.
While at the Sanctuary or Maya’s Place, teens attend their regular school during the day and, after school, have counseling sessions, group meetings, recreation, trips, and chores. Our goal is to return teens to their families, but when that is not possible or advisable, we find a safe place for them to stay. Approximately 90% of the youth admitted to the shelters return to their parent or guardian with help to resolve future conflicts.
Sanctuary Hotlines: 1-888-997-1583 or 1-877-540-7680
Maya’s Place Hotline: 718-583-2380
Victory House in the Bronx and Life’s Bridges in Westchester County provide shared apartments and support for homeless youth. Young people can stay for up to 18 months while they attend school, work, and save for their own apartments. 
Victory House is a center-based program that is home to young women, including those who are pregnant or parenting. Life’s Bridges, which is open to young men and women, provides both center-based apartments and apartments scattered throughout neighborhoods.
In July 2017, our partner Westhab opened a beautiful new building in Yonkers called BAY House (Bruce Avenue Youth House), which is providing shared apartments for 16 young men and women as part of our Life’s Bridges Program. This $3.2 million housing development is the first of its kind in Westchester County and was made possible with funding provided by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (HHAP).
