New beginnings at MYHouse with Alateen

MYHouse provides safe harbor for homeless youth with a goal of connecting kids to a network of caring individuals and partnering agencies able to assist them in becoming self-sufficient. Since we have opened our drop-in center two years ago this past September, we have made contact with over 500 youth ages 14-24 years old. Currently, we have 250 youth engaged in case management! We make available basic needs of safety, shelter, warmth and nourishment for those youth.

MYHouse is a hand up and not a handout. Youth are expected to be working on their individual goals in order to receive services. Along with basic services, we have Public Health, Nine Star (educational and employment services) in our drop-in center, as well as job training opportunities with Northern Industrial Training. We have many other community partners providing services for our homeless youth. Thank you to all those reaching out to these youth. We could not do it without your support and donations.

The dignity of work cannot be measured or understated as the upward spiral to recovering one’s honor and pride. All one’s self worth can be lost while couch surfing, living in a car, or worse on the streets and succumbing to alcohol and drugs. The streets are dark, forbidding and a dead end. We want to offer a way out and up. These kids are worth it.

MYHouse has been offering A.A. (Alcoholic Anonymous) and N.A. (Narcotic Anonymous) youth meetings for 16-24 year olds. These meetings provide clean and sober support for those that are unable to stop with respect to the first drink or drug. We have a Recovery Team that shares their experience, strength and hope. They are happy and joyful to share their message of a clean and sober life, and the many rewards they have found in recovery.

Now, we are excited to announce MYHouse is adding another support group to provide help and hope. Alateen is for 14-19 years olds that are living with others having a problem of alcoholism or addiction. These youth are living in very difficult circumstances. They need to realize, they can not fix someone’s problems, but they can learn new, healthy strategies to live their own happy lives. In short, this support can be a new beginning. And, most importantly, knowing they are not alone. We know if their frustrations, suffering and pain is not shared with supportive peers and sponsors, they could very well medicate that pain with alcohol or drugs.

As we arrive closer to the Holidays, some youth can find themselves again, in very difficult circumstances and places. If you or someone you know needs help and hope in their lives, due to homelessness, alcohol, addiction or a tough living situation, please call MYHouse for hours of operation and a schedule of meetings. ( 373-HELP or 373-4357) We are there to provide services for those that need a safe harbor with supportive peers and adults that care. You’re welcome here.

Michael P. Carson is V.P. and a Recovery Specialist at MYHOUSE.