Website: https://huckhouse.org/
Admin Office: 1421 Hamlet Street, Columbus, OH 43201
Main Phone: (614) 294-8097
24/7 Crisis Hotline: (614) 294-5553 (immediate help for teens in crisis)
Mission: Huckleberry House works to ensure young people have a safe environment and support when facing homelessness, family conflict, poverty, violence, or mental health challenges. They have served Central Ohio youth since 1970.
🏠 1. Crisis Shelter (Ages 12–17)
What it is:
A 24/7/365 emergency shelter providing short-term safe housing for teens experiencing a crisis at home (unsafe, unstable, or dangerous situations).
Included Services:
- Temporary safe stay with meals and essentials
- Crisis intervention
- Supportive staff and referrals
Cost: Free (no cost to youth)
Ongoing: Yes (continuous operation)
Who it helps: Teens ages 12–17 in crisis
Safe Place partners: 136 Safe Place locations (fire stations, libraries, restaurants) can help teens access the shelter safely — text 4HELP (44357) with “SAFE + your location.”
🔗 Learn more: https://huckhouse.org/programs/ (Crisis Shelter section)
🧠 2. Counseling Center (Ages 12–22)
What it is:
Mental health counseling for youth and families dealing with issues like conflict, depression, traumatic experiences, behavior challenges, and adjustment concerns.
Services:
- Individual counseling
- Family counseling
- Support for school and life transitions
Cost:
Counseling for families is free or covered by Medicaid or mental health funds; private insurance may not be accepted (contact directly for details).
Ongoing: Yes
Who it helps: Ages 12–22 and their families
🔗 Learn more: https://huckhouse.org/counseling-center/
🌍 3. Youth Outreach Program (Ages 12–24)
What it is:
A flexible outreach service that meets youth where they are — in schools, community centers, hangouts, or at the YOP Shop location. Outreach workers help connect young people to resources and services.
Services:
- Support building life skills
- Help accessing community resources
- Assistance with housing, employment, education
- ID, transportation, and benefits support
- Case-standing support on youth terms
Cost: Free
Ongoing: Yes
Who it helps: Ages 12–24
📍 YOP Shop:
2216 Bancroft St., Columbus, OH 43219
Open Monday-Friday, 9am–5pm (walk-in services and support)
🔗 Learn more: https://huckhouse.org/youth-outreach-program/
🏡 4. Housing Programs (Ages 17–24)
What it is:
A Transitional Living Program providing safe, fully furnished apartments with supportive services for youth preparing to live independently.
Key Features:
- 12–18 months safe housing
- Life skills training (budgeting, cooking, employment, school support)
- Emotional and counseling support
- Help finding permanent housing
- Parenting support for participants with children
Cost: Free / Supported through partnerships (call for eligibility and waitlist)
Ongoing: Yes (program structure year-round)
Who it helps: Ages 17–24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness
🔗 Learn more: https://huckhouse.org/housing-program/
📍 Additional Ways to Access Help
- Safe Place Partner program: Connects teens safely to shelter via partner locations like libraries or fire stations — text 4HELP (44357).
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call if experiencing a mental health crisis.
💡 Cost & Availability Summary
| Program | Cost | Ongoing | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis Shelter | Free | Yes (24/7) | Ages 12–17 |
| Counseling Center | Free / Medicaid covered | Ongoing | Ages 12–22 + families |
| Youth Outreach Program | Free | Ongoing | Ages 12–24 |
| Transitional Housing | Free / supported | Ongoing | Ages 17–24 |
Most services are provided free of charge or supported through community funding; call ahead to confirm eligibility and availability.
📞 Helpful Direct Links & Contacts
- 🌐 Main Website: https://huckhouse.org/
- 📌 Programs Overview: https://huckhouse.org/programs/
- 📌 Crisis Shelter Info: https://huckhouse.org/programs/ (scroll to Crisis Shelter)
- 📌 Counseling Center: https://huckhouse.org/counseling-center/
- 📌 Youth Outreach Program: https://huckhouse.org/youth-outreach-program/
- 📌 Housing Programs: https://huckhouse.org/housing-program/
