The Emergency Youth Shelter is often the first step for youth to access the full suite of care at The PLACE. It provides 20 safe, clean, and warm beds, easily accessible to homeless and runaway youth.

As the only licensed youth shelter in the Pikes Peak region for homeless youth aged 15-20, The PLACE features two separate dormitory-style sleeping quarters, with showers, laundry facilities, a complete industrial-grade kitchen, and large dining space.

Shelter programming includes overnight shelter beds, three meals per day, on-site medical care, trauma assessments, mental health assessments, substance abuse assessments and treatment, trauma-informed case management, family reunification, life-skills classes, recreational/leisure activities, referrals, and follow-up support.

Youth are assigned a case manager who supports them while navigating through The PLACE and community services. Because each youth’s experience with homelessness is unique, we have adopted the Positive Youth Development Model which allows youth to identify their abilities and strengths and create their personal path as to how they will reach their full potential. Through this model, youth learn to help themselves, and are empowered to make positive choices on their path to self-sufficiency.

Youth can receive medical and mental health services at our on-site medical clinic. Licensed health care professionals treat health related issues such as common colds, STI’s, blisters, infections, etc. In addition, youth receive individualized health case management from our licensed clinicians.

Seminars are hosted to help youth develop necessary life skills to successfully live independently. Specialists come onsite to facilitate seminars on topics such as managing finances, budgeting, cooking on a budget, and healthy relationships.