Housed within DHS’ Youth Services Division (YSD), Youth Homeless Services leads the District’s response to youth homelessness through direct services as well as grants to 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 funds programs administered by community partners 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.
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork
741 8th Street SE - (202) 675-9340 x214, x215
- Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
3045 15th Street NW - (202) 713-0475
- 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.
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork - Bruce House (ages 17 & under)
For entry call - (202) 546-4900
- 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
If you are 18-to-24 years old (transition-age youth, “TAY”) and experiencing homelessness you can access the following resources:
For more information about Youth Homeless Services, please call (202) 698-4334 or email [email protected].