Being a teen is difficult to begin with—it’s even more of a challenge for students who are facing homelessness. The NEPA Youth Shelter in Scranton offers a safe space where local teens in need can rest, relax and find support.

The NEPA Youth Shelter provides quality emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth ages 14 through high school graduation from all counties in NEPA. The shelter provides essentials such as food, clothing and bathrooms, as well as services such as educational support, counseling, family reunification and preparation for independent living. The after-school drop-in center organizes fun activities and offers educational resources like computers, printers and a library.

With a focus on social justice and advocacy, the shelter welcomes youth from all backgrounds. They are especially affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, as this population constitutes a high percentage of homeless youth in the area.