The Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter

Our mission includes working with youth, individuals, and families who are dealing with housing crises, homelessness, and runaway issues. We are always available at no charge to runaways, the truly homeless, and those at risk of homelessness, and will remain committed to this.

Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter

Need help now? Call 518-584-6042

The Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter
  • Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter

    The Youth Shelter is a safe haven for teens who are runaways, homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless.

  • Homeless Youth

    Many of the youth who come to the Youth Shelter have experienced high levels of family conflict, domestic violence or sexual abuse and are often struggling with serious emotional issues.

  • Youth Shelter Beds

    Youth are provided with a comfortable living situation in a beautiful natural, wooded setting that is free of crisis and that resembles an average residential home.

  • Youth Shelter Kitchen

    Having this refuge and level of consistency in their lives allows the youth to stabilize.

  • Case Worker

    With the help of case managers, the youth work to reunite with their estranged family or guardians, or to find an alternative living situation that meets their needs.

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Opened in 1998, the Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter is a temporary shelter serving youth under age 18 who are homeless, runaway, or in an otherwise unsafe situation. Youth can stay for up to 30 days or as long as is necessary, and know that they will be safe and find refuge in a home-like environment.

Shelter staff provide case management services and involve the teen in daily activities while they receive support and encouragement from trained adults they can trust. During their stay, all efforts are made to connect youth with a safe and stable home, by reuniting the youth with their families or with another permanent living arrangement. Our doors are open every day of the year, accepting youth 24-hours a day from various locations and referral sources.

The Youth Shelter serves Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Montgomery, and Fulton Counties and is certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

For safety purposes, the Youth Shelter's location is confidential.

Youth Shelter Programs

  • Runaway Awareness and PreventionAs runaway awareness and prevention is a focus for CAPTAIN CHS, our Youth Shelter is designed to offer relief to families and youth who are facing housing instability, are at risk of running away, or are entering into an unavoidable state of crisis. This is a prevention service and a runaway intervention program.  We can assist with offering respite from difficult situations.

  • Crisis Housing ServicesFor youth facing a runaway, homeless, or immediate housing crisis. We can provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment of care as our professional staff work to help identify the issues and circumstances causing the housing instability, and identify alternatives for safe housing or work with families and legal guardians to mediate the situations for a safe return home.

  • After-Care ProgramA voluntary service available for exiting residents to aid in the transition back home. The aim is for the youth to continue with their goals, help rebuild family relationships, and prevent reoccurrences of homelessness.

Common Questions About the Youth Shelter