Streetwork Project

Homeless and street-involved young people are often victims of violence and abuse. They have often run away or been thrown out of their homes or foster care. Their lives on the street may involve substance use, crime, panhandling and survival sex. Street-involved youth are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection.

Every year, Safe Horizon touches the lives of over 18,500 young people, distributes 35,000 meals and offers a lifeline to thousands of homeless and street-involved youth. If you or a young person you know is living on the street, Safe Horizon has programs that can help.

Streetwork Project Philosophy

The Streetwork Project is committed to reaching out to homeless and disenfranchised youth of New York City, offering them respite from hunger, cold, loneliness and fear and the opportunity to reclaim for themselves a sense of dignity and self-worth. Our goal is to extend ourselves to these young people through our presence on the streets, through the services we provide and through the love we are willing to express. With every bag lunch, medical appointment, referral, condom and group we offer, we communicate to our clients our concern for their lives and our belief in their potential. Our mission is to act as a catalyst for their self-empowerment. 

Streetwork Project's Components

Streetwork clients (children, teens and young adults up to age 24) are provided with the following free services: legal, medical and psychiatric services, individual and group counseling, case management, advocacy, help in obtaining identification, emergency and crisis housing, GED preparation and support, help in obtaining Medicaid and other benefits, hot meals, showers, clothing, wellness activities including acupuncture, yoga, nutritional counseling, HIV prevention counseling, parenting groups, drop-in groups and the opportunity to socialize in a safe, non-judgmental setting. All clients are assigned a primary counselor who can assist them in accessing needed services, including referrals when necessary.

Harlem Center

In 2008, Safe Horizon opened an expansive new space in Harlem for homeless and street-involved youth to access the same compassionate, practical and expert services that we have provided to young people for decades.

This space has a teaching kitchen, two counseling suites, music room, computer lab and other areas where those who spend so much of their lives in danger can feel safe, empowered, cared for and encouraged as they move from crisis to confidence.

Click here to view the floor plan for our Harlem location.

Services for Homeless Youth

Need help? Call 800.708.6600 or go to our Homeless Youth page to find our locations.

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