Housed within DHS’ Youth Services Division (YSD), Youth Homeless Services leads the District’s response to youth homelessness through direct services as well as partnerships with community-based organizations. 

Homeless Prevention and Diversion Services 

Youth Housing Options Prevention Education (HOPE) 

YSD administers the Youth Housing Options Prevention Education (HOPE) program that provides youth homeless prevention, reunification, and stabilization services. The program works to divert youth from the homeless shelter system and reunite them with their natural supports (family, mentors, allies, etc.) via mediation services and family support, whenever safe and possible, as well as identification of permanent housing solutions. 

To be eligible for Youth HOPE, you must be: 

• District of Columbia Transition Age Youth (TAY), 16 to 24 years old, homeless, housing unstable, in the shelter, or at risk of homelessness. 

Services provided to youth eligible for Youth HOPE include: 

• Identification of housing options available to youth 
• Mediation/conflict resolution with natural support (family, friends, or allies) to promote housing stability and emotional wellness 
• Linkage to health and wellness services 
• Connection to educational programs 
• Linkage to employers and educational programs 
• Assistance with obtaining vital documents: birth certificates, social security cards, and IDs 
• Short-term financial supports through Project Reconnect diversion support 
• Case management services for up to six (6) months 
• Support youth with applying for public benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid 

Click here for the Youth HOPE referral form. 

Youth Homelessness Programs 

DHS partners with community organizations that provide housing, street outreach, and drop-in center services for youth up to 24 years old experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

Drop-In Centers 

Drop-In Centers are facilities that offer youth-specific day services to young people facing housing crises. The drop-in center uses a Housing First approach to move youth into housing by connecting them with supportive services and resources. 

Resources at the following providers vary but may include food, clothing, laundry services, showers, case management, and referrals to other services.  

• Latin American Youth Center
  3045 15th Street NW - (202) 713-0475 
   
• SAMU First Response
  650 Pennsylvania Ave SE - 202-560-4535
   
• Sasha Bruce Youthwork Capitol Hill
  741 8th Street, SE - 202-675-9340
   
• Zoe's Doors 
  900 Rhode Island Ave NE - (202) 248-2098 

Emergency Shelters 

Emergency Shelters are short-term housing that expand the availability of youth-friendly shelters and services to youth facing housing instability ranging from one night to up to three months to enable them to grow and move toward independence. 

• Covenant House Greater Washington - The Sanctuary (18-24 yrs.) 
  511 Mellon Street SE - (202) 560-5965 
   
• Covenant House Greater Washington - The SHINE (LGBTQ+ 18-24 yrs.) 
  For entry call - (202) 506-2432 
   
• Covenant House Greater Washington - Safe Haven (18-24 yrs.) 
  For entry call - (202) 560-5874 
   
• Healthy Babies – Muriel’s House (pregnant/parenting teens 16-21 yrs.)  
  For entry call (202) 396-2809
   
• Sasha Bruce Youthwork - Bruce House (ages 17 & under) 
  For entry call - (202) 546-4900 

If you are 18-to-24 years old (transition-age youth, “TAY”) and experiencing homelessness, you can access the following resources:


DC Youth Drop-In Center Hours of Operation Chart

For youth ages 18-24, please refer to the chart below for hours of operation when offering drop-in center services to youth who call the Hypothermia Hotline.

Sasha Bruce Downtown Drop-In Center (Ward 2) 

945 G Street, NW (Located in church) 
Every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm 
Services offered: Dinner, connection to case management services, hygiene kits, recreational activities, and community resources 

Covenant House: The Sanctuary (Low Barrier Shelter) 

511 Mellon Street, SE 
Nightly, 8pm-8am 
Services offered: Dinner, breakfast, showers, laundry, and case management services
 

For more information about Youth Homeless Services, please call (202) 698-4334 or email [email protected].