Picture


Open Hearts Youth Shelter
is a Basic Center, part of a national program funded by the
US Department of Health & Human Services 
Someone is available to take your call
24 hours a day on our Emergency Line
(770) 912-2972

OUR GOALS
1. To work to alleviate the problems of runaway, homeless, and street youth;
2. To reunite children, whenever feasible, with their families to encourage the resolution of inter family problems through counseling and other services;
3. To work towards strengthening family relationships and encouraging stable living conditions for children;
4. To help youth decide upon a future course of action.

Consequences of Life on the Street for Homeless and Runaway Youth: 
Increased likelihood of high-risk behaviors, including engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners and participating in intravenous drug use.  Youth who engage in these high-risk behaviors are more likely to remain homeless and be more resistant to change. 
Greater risk of severe anxiety and depression, suicide, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem.

Increased likelihood of exchanging sex for food, clothing and shelter ( also known as "survival sex") or dealing drugs to meet basic needs. Forty percent of African American youth and 36 percent of Caucasian youth who experienced homelessness or life on the street sold drugs, primarily marijuana, for money.

Difficulty attending school due to lack of required enrollment records (such as immunization and medical records and proof of residence) as well as lack of access to transportation to and from school.  As a result, homeless youth often have a hard time getting an education and supporting themselves financially.

Homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (GLBTQ) youth are more likely to exchange sex for housing or shelter, are abused more often at homeless shelters (especially adult shelters), and experience more violence on the streets than homeless heterosexual youth.

Your Help is Needed!
View our Wishlist to donate or Volunteer/Intern with us.
Thank you!
The Open Hearts Youth Shelter is a voluntary,
short-term residential emergency shelter and crisis intervention service for youth ages 10-18 years old who have run away from home, have been pushed out of their homes, are homeless or who are acting out and at-risk for abuse.  

Open Hearts also provides non-residential alternatives for parent(s), legal guardian(s) and legal custodians who need help with youth behavior problems.  All services are FREE.

Open Hearts is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to accept youth and we provide transportation for youth who are in need of a ride to safety.  Youth receive food, shelter, health screenings, education assistance, employment assistance as well as group, family and individual counseling, case management and after care services.  

SERVICES
  1. Residential Care
  2. Counseling
  3. Case Management
  4. Emergency Assistance with food, toiletries, clothing or access to showers
  5. An address & mail collection for youth
  6. Health referrals
Youth do not have to reside at the shelter to receive services.  Click here to learn about our Positive Youth Development Day Program

We do not accept children for residency who fall into these categories:
• Severely disturbed/psychotic, having a history which renders them violent and assaultive
• Actively suicidal
• History of arson or pyromania
• Under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
• Known developmental problems which would impair reasonable functioning within the structure of a shelter environment
• Outstanding custody orders
• Active placements from mental institutions, correctional institutions, or halfway houses

LOCATION
We are located in a residential neighborhood in Lithonia/Stone Mountain border and we can provide transportation to youth anywhere in the Atlanta metro area.

MAKE A REFERRAL HERE
24 Hour Emergency Line
(770) 912-2972
Email: shelter@ypmatlanta.org
Your Help is Needed!
View our Wishlist to donate or Volunteer/Intern with us.
Thank you!