Young Adult Services

When a young person is experiencing homelessness, abuse, or instability, knowing someone will show up can be life-changing. The YMCA Safe Place Services Street Outreach team meets youth where they are—offering trust, basic needs, and connection to long-term support.

Our outreach staff travel throughout Louisville at various times of day and night, visiting locations where youth in crisis are likely to be. These efforts are guided by experience and input from the community and other young people we serve.

Street Outreach supports teens and young adults ages 12–24 who are facing extreme challenges—such as violence, trafficking, substance use, or having aged out of foster care or been kicked out of their homes.

Services Include:

• Food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and first aid
• Emergency shelter referrals
• Case management and stabilization support
• One-on-one education about available free and confidential resources

Know Someone Who Needs Help?

If you’d like to refer a youth or alert us to a location that may need outreach—such as a new homeless camp—call or text 502-635-5233. A Safe Place staff member will respond and take it from there.

Safe Place Services’ Transitional Housing Program provides structured, short- to medium-term housing for young adults (18–24) exiting homelessness and preparing for permanent housing. 

Designed for young people transitioning off the street, out of shelter, or from unsafe living situations, the program combines safe, furnished housing with individualized case management, goal setting, and life-skills development.

Our Transitional Housing Program is currently operating units for young men at Chestnut Street Family YMCA, with expansion for young women anticipated at the Community Care Campus by the end of 2026. This program focuses on building stability, increasing income, and equipping young adults with the tools needed to successfully transition into long-term permanent housing.

YSTEP (Youth Sustainably Training & Empowerment Program) is Safe Place Services’ structured life-skills and mentorship program designed to help young adults build stability as they work toward permanent housing. 

Participants meet weekly for guided life-skills curriculum, goal setting, and community-building, while also engaging in enrichment activities, outings, and hands-on learning experiences that expand their exposure and confidence.

YSTEP intentionally connects young adults with positive adult mentors and volunteers from the community, fostering healthy relationships and consistent support. Through skill development, meaningful experiences, and supportive mentorship, YSTEP helps young adults move toward greater self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.