Open Hands Foundation

See sch o.hope house is a youth crisis and counseling shelter provided by the organization through a partnership with 180 degrees (program service provider) and westwood community church. The shelter provides safe, stable and supportive emergency housing and counseling. Specifically, it provides: 6 beds for youth in crisis ages 14-19; 24hr/ 7days a week crisis shelter; counseling for youth, parents and family; dedicated professional staff; no cost for services; and a first call for law enforcement, schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, and families in crisis. Youth/ family impact: since opening in 2015, 3,355 impacted youth: with 698 youth making overnight stays, and 2,657 inquiries have been handled through calls or texts for help. Housing stability (our goal is to have kids back in a safe/stable environment): in jan-july 2023, 88% of the youth achieved this goal at exit after an average of 20 days in the shelter. In jan-jul 2023, 209 youth were impacted, with 48 making overnight stays. Hope house benefits teens and their families, as well as the broader community, including schools, hospitals, and law enforcement, by providing emergency shelter services, case management, advocacy, resource, referral and wraparound services to youth. Through positive, pro-active, programming and messages, hope house builds confidence; teaches them that they have many options in life; and fosters the development of the skills, attitudes, and behaviors to make responsible choices. Hope house case managers help youth identify needs, set goals, and develop plans. Hope house teens are meaningfully connected with community resources to help them meet their goals in three key areas: housing, employment, and education. Youth are encouraged to participate in activities in the community as much as possible.