Teen Trafficking and Homelessness Prevention
We understand that hurt, family tensions or other disruptions can sometimes lead to teen runaway behavior from their homes, leading to victimization, deterioration of health and mental health, and other damaging consequences. We help teens leave the streets and exit the relationships of exploitation by providing temporary shelter, care and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Our short-term care shelters provide community homes focused on safety, medical and mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking, teens who are pregnant or parenting and those who are runway or homeless. Stays in these shelters are completely voluntary. A typical stay is about 30 days. In 2023, 90% of the teens served returned to their families or to a guardian.
The Safe Harbor program provides group counseling to deter teens from placing themselves in situations likely to lead to their sex trafficking and provide support for challenges they may be experiencing in their homes or communities. Empower House provides temporary shelter for teens at risk or already victims of human trafficking.
Maya’s Place in the Bronx and Sanctuary in Westchester County provide short-term shelter, food, clothing, medical, and other services for homeless teens. The shelters are completely voluntary, with youth staying up to 30 days with approximately 90% of the youth returning to their parent or guardian armed with skills to resolve future conflicts.
The Victory House is a center-based program that provides housing and support services for young women, including those who are pregnant or parenting, as well as those who are runaway or homeless. The young women can stay for up to 18 months while they attend school, work, and save for their own apartments.
The Bay House offers shared apartments and supportive services for 16 young men and women between 18-24 years old. This $3.2 million housing development, the first of its kind in Westchester County, was made possible with funding from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (HHAP).
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