For children and teens in crisis, the importance of safe and stable housing cannot be overstated. Youth experiencing unstable housing and lack of family support are vulnerable to their surroundings. A stable, secure, and positive environment is essential for physical security and mental, emotional and developmental growth. 

The numbers are staggering. The New Jersey Department of Education reported that 17,000 students experienced homelessness in the 2023-2024 school year, up from 11,000 in 2021-2022. As the number of children facing housing instability rises, Center For Family Services answers the need for safe housing, providing emergency shelter for youth in crisis. 

            Safe housing is much more than having a bed to sleep in at night. The impact of homelessness is complex. The negative effects can last long after immediate housing needs are met. A holistic, trauma-informed environment that cares for emotional, social, and developmental well-being is necessary to foster healing. As stated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “A broad body of research links homelessness, housing instability, overcrowding, and poverty to adverse effects on young children’s health, development, and future school performance. Frequent, prolonged, or acute hardship in early childhood can permanently affect development of the brain and related systems.”

Safe and stable housing is the foundation on which children and teens facing homelessness can begin to rebuild their lives. A stable home environment is an essential part of the journey to healing and the foundation for a healthy future.  Studies show that the quality of the physical environment correlates with the behavior and mental health outcomes of children. For a young person seeking shelter, the improvement of their environment can have a positive effect on their path to mental and behavioral healing. In a setting with low levels of comfort and engagement, those seeking help are more likely to experience feelings of being institutionalized, with little stimulation and discomfort in their setting. 

Center For Family Services understands that safe housing is much more than just shelter, it is about creating a space where children can thrive. A positive home environment is one that is soothing and provides a sense of safety and normalcy. Stimulation is another important factor that supports mental and emotional health and overall well-being. Counseling, social activities and relationship building create a strong foundation for youth in their journey toward healing. Youth are encouraged to participate in recreational and enrichment activities that broaden horizons.

A trauma-informed, supportive, and homelike environment gives young people the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. Holistic, compassionate services help to break the cycle of homelessness and increase the chances for young people to reclaim their futures. 

For more information about available services, contact Center For Family Services at 877.922.2377  or access@centerffs.org or visit Safe & Supportive Housing for Youth.

If you are a youth in crisis, help is available. Call the Youth Emergency Housing Hotline at 800.255.4213.

If you want to help a child in their journey toward healing, consider a donation to the Caring Community Fund.  Your gift will address the need for a positive home environment that is essential for well-being. With your gift, you will send a message of care and give a child the chance to rise above challenges and live the life they deserve. 

https://www.nj.gov/education/homeless/counts/

https://www.cbpp.org/blog/stable-housing-is-foundational-to-childrens-well-being

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35046849/