Christopher Youth Center

Our House, Inc. DBA Christopher Youth Center (CYC) provides immediate assistance to victimized, homeless, and runaway youth across Northeast Louisiana. The agency operates four programs that include the Emergency Youth Center (emergency housing), Youth Transitions (transitional and rapid rehousing), Connections (Coordinated Entry), and Safe Place Outreach.

Each program aims to improve the overall health and well-being of youth by giving them a shoulder to lean on during times of uncertainty. A detailed description of each program is as follows:

The Emergency Youth Center focuses on services for runaway, homeless, victimized and troubled youth ages 11-17 years old by providing emergency housing, counseling, tutoring, transportation to school, and other essential services such medical care. The goal is to reunify families by strengthening family functioning to ensure the youth's safety and security once they return home. There is never a fee for services, including family counseling, to work on the root of issues that threaten healthy bonds among family members. CYC creates a safe place for a youth to land during a crisis. No matter the circumstances, during their stay a comprehensive individualized plan to improve the youth’s situation is developed and implemented quickly.

The Youth Transitions Program takes a hybrid approach by providing transitional housing services for up to six months for youth who have limited skills and resources and rapidly rehousing those who achieve education and employment goals that are necessary to thrive in an independent living environment. This program serves homeless youth ages 18-24 years old and emphasizes self-sufficiency in permanent housing. Comprehensive case management, rental assistance, counseling, life skills training, parenting classes, job search assistance, and other resources are in place change the trajectory of young people who have struggled to transition to adulthood.

Connections allows youth to access all serves available within the local continuum of care through the coordinated entry system. Anyone seeking housing assistance can request an assessment to begin the housing process. Appropriate referrals ensure that all members of the community receive the help they deserve. 

Christopher Youth Center maintains a well-developed outreach program with over 80 Safe Place sites throughout Northeast Louisiana through the National Safe Place program. This enables youth in all 12 parishes of Region 8 get immediate help during a crisis. Safe Place sites are businesses and organizations such as libraries, fire stations, gas stations, and recreation centers that are often frequented by youth. These sites act as remote access points for the Youth Center and give youth a safe place during a crisis.