Kids & Family

Youth Shelter Halts Overnight Stays

The 'Young People Matter' night shelter is closed pending additional funding.

Young People Matter (YPM), a comprehensive emergency shelter for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in Tucker, announced Monday it has temporarily ceased overnight operations. 

Approximately $35,000 is needed to install an automatic fire sprinkler, fire alarm and kitchen suppression system. These capital improvements will bring the building in compliance with state and county regulations. 

This past year has presented several challenges for YPM. The agency moved into a 4,700 square foot facility on Cowan Road on April 1. The location was vandalized in September 2012. “All of the heating, plumbing, lighting systems, everything was destroyed,” founder and Executive Director Simone Joye said.  

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YPM was featured on WPIX-Channel 11 and through help of the Home Depot Foundation, the Tucker Civic Association, and Safe House Outreach, over $25,000 in work was repaired and approximately 43 kids have received overnight shelter since then. 

Now the costs for permits and plans to bring the center into full compliance with the county and state have nudged up to an additional $35,000 and we are asking for public support to resume operations. “We have had to make a waiting list and everyone has been calling to refer youth, including churches, DFCS workers, elected officials and youth themselves,” Joye said.  

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