HONOR Advocates for Runaway and Homeless Youth

MIDDLETOWN – Employees from HONOR, the local nonprofit organization and social services leader in housing and homeless services in the Hudson Valley, recognized National Youth HOPE (Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention and Education) Month in November. The public awareness campaign, led by the National Runaway Safeline, shines a light on the challenges faced by runaway and homeless youth.

HONOR’s “A Friend’s House” is the only runaway and homeless youth shelter in Orange County. “Area youth come to us oftentimes in the middle of the night,” said HONOR Executive Director Chris Molinelli. “While working to meet each child’s immediate needs, we connect resources available to young people in crisis, show care while working to prevent crisis from escalating or mitigate its impact. We also work to reunite young people with families or locate appropriate alternative locations,” he added.

For anyone in need of help or know someone who does, please call 845-343-7115. A Friend’s House is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 138 Seward Avenue in Middletown and provides a safe place for runaway and homeless children ages 17and younger.

A Friend’s House is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Orange County Youth Bureau.

Why it matters:
• More than 4 million young people experience homelessness each year in the U.S.
• Causes often include family conflict, being asked to leave, abuse, neglect, peer issues, and financial instability.

How to help:
• If a young person you know is thinking about leaving home or has threatened to do so, talk with them about the issues and their options.
• Youth contemplating leaving their homes frequently overlook essential considerations, such as securing a safe place to sleep, ensuring access to fundamental necessities like food, clothing, and transportation, maintaining their educational commitments, as well as assessing potential risk.
• If your child or a young person you know has run away, contact your local police department.
• There are several national organizations that offer additional support and guidance, such as the National Runaway Safeline and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

To learn more about A Friend’s House, or how you can donate to support kids who come to the youth shelter, visit HonorHelpingOthers.org.