Huckleberry House
Huckleberry House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, support, and services for at‐risk and homeless youth in Central Ohio. Their website presents a compassionate and comprehensive resource for young people facing challenges such as homelessness, family conflict, poverty, and violence.
Mission and Overview
The organization’s central mission is encapsulated in its welcoming message, “Our Doors Are Always Open.” Huckleberry House believes in the inherent potential of every young person and offers a safe space where they can receive the help they need, regardless of their background or current struggles, which is evident in their vision: thriving youth, no matter their journey. They underline that their approach is holistic, addressing both immediate crises and long-term needs to create stable, thriving futures for the youth they serve, with the hope of preventing and ending homelessness for young people ages 12-24.
Key Programs and Services
Huckleberry House works toward their mission through four key programs that is designed to meet the diverse needs of their clients:
Teen Crisis Program and Shelter: A 24/7/365 shelter and program that provides immediate, short-term housing for teenagers (ages 12-17). The shelter not only offers a safe place to sleep with hot meals and other essential items (clothing, hygiene, etc.), when a young person enters the program, they are immediately wraped in services such as case management, and counseling. It is a critical refuge for young individuals in urgent need.
Housing Programs: Features a total of roughly 100 units of housing for both Transitional Living and Permanent Supportive Housing (as defined by HUD). These programs support young adults (ages 18–24) who are experiencing housing instability. In addition to safe, stable housing, participants receive support services that promote independence and long-term success, including life skills development, counseling, and case management.
Counseling Services: With an experienced team of therapists, the Counseling Center addresses a range of issues including mental health challenges, family conflicts, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. These services are designed for teens, young adults, and even family members.
Youth Outreach Program: This initiative brings services directly to the streets through active engagement. By providing counseling, support, and case management in community settings, the outreach team aims to connect with youth who might not otherwise seek help, preventing homelessness and increasing overall stability.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
The website also features personal testimonials from those who have benefited from their services. Through these stories, visitors get a glimpse of the transformative impact of Huckleberry House, with clients sharing experiences of gaining confidence, overcoming homelessness, and learning to set and achieve goals. These narratives serve both as a testament to the organization’s effectiveness and as a beacon of hope for those currently in need.
Impact and Success Metrics
The site proudly shares key impact numbers from 2024:
36,000+ nights of shelter: Reflecting the extensive care provided across their shelter and housing programs.
4,000 youth engagements: Indicating the broad reach of their outreach events and educational presentations.
92% success rate: Demonstrating that the majority of youth in the Teen Crisis Program transition to safe, stable housing.
10,000+ hours of counseling: Underlining the commitment to mental health support for youth and families.
Additional Information and Support
Beyond its core programs, Huckleberry House provides various resources for further help, including a crisis helpline available 24/7. The website also lists options for community engagement and ways to donate or volunteer, emphasizing that support extends beyond direct service delivery. An “Items We Need” section details specific donated items like new clothing, personal care items, school supplies, and non-perishable food, which are vital to supporting the youth.
Organizational Transparency
The website includes details about its funding sources, supported by various grant numbers from the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This transparency helps underscore the organization’s accountability and its commitment to high standards in service delivery.
In summary, the Huckleberry House website serves as both an information hub and a call-to-action for supporting at-risk youth in Central Ohio. It articulates a clear mission: fostering stability, resilience, and independence among young people through comprehensive, community-based programs and personalized support.