Streetwork Program

An Overview

How does a 13-year-old end up on the streets every night? 

For Theresa, whose stepfather had sexually abused her for years, the streets felt safer than her own home. 

Lonny was abused physically and emotionally his whole life.  His parents couldn’t cope with his gender identity and kicked him out of the house at age 17.

When Robert was very young, he was severely abused and placed in foster care.  He had struggled with violent outbursts and depression his whole life.  No foster parent could connect with him; no group home could keep him from running away.

Every year, millions of young people look for refuge from abuse and neglect on the streets, but often only find more violence.  That’s where Streetwork steps in.

“We reach young people who have no support systems,” said David Nish, Vice President of Safe Horizon’s Streetwork Program, “the ones who have not made it in group homes, in foster care, or at home.” 

For these young people, Streetwork is a safe haven; a place where they can get help - hot meals, warm showers, clean clothing, medical services and more -- without judgment and on their own terms.

“At Streetwork, we accept them for who they are,” said David. “And we work with them from there.” 

What’s the first step to life off the streets?  Often, it’s walking through the door of Streetwork’s Harlem Center, as hundreds of young people do every week.

Visit Streetwork's New Harlem Center.

Need help?  Call Streetwork at 1.800.708.6600.

Streetwork Overview	Harlem Center	Streetwork Kitchen	Main Lounge	Showers & Laundry	Music Room
Art Center	Counseling Room	Computer Room	Peer Education	Wellness Center	Get Involved