Our expanding Homeless & Runaway Youth Services offer much-needed respite and support for youth who are unhoused, facing challenges at home, and/or need a refuge. Many have experienced violence, abuse, instability, or a lack of safety or acceptance from adults or others in their lives. Our array of supports and services include Drop-in Centers, Crisis Shelters, Transitional Independent Living residences, and a Rapid Rehousing program, all of which offer a safe haven and opportunities for young people seeking to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

“Safe Space” Drop-in Centers Now Open in Jamaica & Far Rockaway, Queens

SAFE SPACE JAMAICA
165-13 Jamaica Avenue
Second Floor
Jamaica, NY 11432

Phone: 718-526-2400 ext. 2080

OPEN 24 HOURS
WALK-INS WELCOME!

Ages 14 – 24

Facilities:
Full kitchen & pantry
Shower
Laundry
Clothing donations
Computer & media studio
Television & gaming area
Counseling room

Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing

SAFE SPACE FAR ROCKAWAY
1600 Central Avenue
First Floor
Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Phone: 646-518-1202

HOURS:
Monday-Thursday – 12 pm to 8 pm
Friday & Saturday – 11 am to 7 pm

WALK-INS WELCOME!

Ages 14 – 24

Facilities:
Cafe Lounge Hour (breakfast served 9:30 am to 11 am)
Clothing & donation rack
Television & gaming area
Computer room
Counseling room
Recording studio
Free monthly HIV/STI screenings

Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing

A New Beginning

In the New York City area, homelessness has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression in recent years, with more than 60,000 individuals and families living without a permanent residence, including more than 20,000 children. Among those alarming statistics are a number, constantly in flux, of teenagers who have run away from or been kicked out of their homes and now find themselves living in unstable situations.

Each of these youth brings a different story. At home, they may have faced abuse, neglect, conflict, substance abuse, sexual abuse, foster care placement, or lack of acceptance for their sexual orientation or gender identification. Once they’ve left the home, youth enter a life of constant instability. Many live in shelters, cars, parks, vacant buildings, or on the streets. Some “couch surf” with friends as long as the generosity of their network will allow.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Our Transitional Independent Living (TIL) programs provide runaway and homeless youth, ages 16-21, with the home they need and deserve. Combining educational, therapeutic, and recreational supports in a supportive residence, we provide youth the stability and guidance so they can look to the future.

Once at our TIL, youth find a supportive and nurturing environment between peers and staff where we work with them to achieve stability. Each youth has her own room as well as space for recreation and relaxation. Our Case planners work with each youth to understand the root of their circumstances and identify their needs, as well as their goals for the future.

We set in place comprehensive supports and provide resources to ensure youth can achieve improved well-being, greater educational success, and strengthened relationships, including reconnecting with family when appropriate. We help youth acquire life skills needed for independent living; career skills that will sustain independent and productive lives; and education that will support career goals. With staff on hand 24 hours a day, our program establishes schedules and routines that teach responsibility and encourage good habits – all with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency.

This goal is further achieved by the Rapid Rehousing program. This federal program not only offers housing placement, but also short-term rental assistance and supportive services. Our primary objectives are to swiftly secure stable housing, empower these individuals towards self-sufficiency, and ensure they remain housed. Importantly, this program is offered without preconditions, whether it’s related to employment, income, criminal history, or sobriety.

Rising Ground’s resources and services are tailored to the unique needs of each young person, creating a customized path to a brighter future.