Emergency Shelter for Teenagers
An estimated 15,000 young people run away each year in Northern Virginia. We're here for those who don't find their way back home.
Alternative House's Emergency Shelter offers a safe haven to young people in crisis. When a young person has nowhere to turn, Alternative House's door is always open. Teens who have run away, been turned out of their home, are homeless, abused or otherwise in crisis are welcome.
The Shelter is a completely voluntary program for young people 13 to 17 years old. They may stay for up to three weeks and during that time, in addition to safe shelter, food and clothing; each youth receives intensive individual counseling and help keeping up with their education. Family Counseling is provided whenever possible.
"Jenna" found us after she had been on the run for five days.
Each year, an average of 200 young people finds help and hope at Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers. Alternative House's goal is to reunite these children with their families whenever possible. When that's not possible, we find a safe longer-term living arrangement for the young person. On average, 90% of the young people who come to Alternative House return to their families.
Interested in volunteering for the Shelter? Here are current open opportunities:
VOLUNTEER NEEDS – as of 1/3/12
Monday 8:30a-2:30p
Tuesday 9a-7p
Wednesday 9a-1p
Thursday 9a-10p
Friday 3p-10p
2/4/5th Sat 9-1
Saturday 1-10:30p
