If you know a youth who is homeless, call Bellefaire JCB·to initiate a quick response. Our program specialists will act first and foremost to:
- Deliver crisis stabilization;
- Reunite youth with their families, if safe and appropriate;
- Arrange shelter for up to 14 days with a trained·respite family;
- Assure 24-hour case supervision
More than a facility, Bellefaire JCB offers a network of services delivered at sites throughout the region. We leverage our partnerships with necessary community resources to deliver an effective response, both short- and long-term.
Shelter in a family setting
Homeless and youth in need who require temporary shelter are housed not at a center, but in the homes of respite families. We believe strongly in the power of the family setting to help:
- Overcome the resistance toward authority figures and institutions.
- Disengage from street-life contacts who could encourage living on the streets.
- Provide a safe respite in which to begin dialogue and problem-solve.
- Allow the youth to witness and experience healthy family interaction.
Essential aftercare
We begin immediately to address the issues that prompted leaving home and to help prevent future episodes. As appropriate, we:
- Promote the active involvement of the youth and his or her family in all necessary services.
- Encourage the resolution of family problems through counseling and treatment.
- Link youth and families to appropriate aftercare services.
- Help youth and families craft a constructive course of action to help ensure future success.
When to call:
- If you think a youth may be planning to leave home.
- If you suspect that one or more youths might be·homeless.
- If you know a youth who has left home or a homeless youth, no matter how long they've been gone.
Let us speak to your group
Through education, Bellefaire JCB's Homeless Youth program is committed to preventing youth from leaving home and homelessness among youth. To arrange a presentation to your agency, school, youth organization, club, sports team or other group, call Karen McHenry, LISW, LICDC, Program Manager, 216-320-8422.
Recognize the warning signs
Is someone you know thinking about running away? Watch for one or more of these warning signs:
- Dramatic changes in daily routines.
- Often away from home.
- Majority of time spent alone or with friends.
- Restless, unsettled behavior.
- Threatening to run away or “take off.”
- Accumulating money, making bank withdrawals.
- Stashing clothes and other items in a backpack or suitcase.
Numbers you need to know
- Bellefaire JCB·Homeless Youth Hotline·24/7·- 216-570-8010
- First Call for Help - 216-436-2000 or 2-1-1
- Mobile Crisis 24/7 Suicide Prevention - 216-623-6888
- National Runaway Switchboard 24/7 - 1-800-runaway (786-2929)
- Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center - 216-651-5428
- CCDCFS Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 - 216-696-KIDS
- Rape Crisis - 216-619-6192