Sometimes running away seems to be the only option left to a youth. Frequently it is not, but a youth may need time and professional guidance to explore other options. Casey House is an emergency short-term shelter for runaway, homeless, at-risk and throwaway youth. Located at 710 Cedar Avenue in Niagara Falls , Casey House is a twelve-bed co-ed facility, which can provide shelter services to youth ages 12 to 17. Non-residential services are available for youth age 18 to 20.

Crisis intervention services are available 24/7 in order to respond immediately to a youth in need. The youth can contact Casey House directly at 285-7125 or the youth may be referred by a parent, guardian, school staff, law enforcement personnel or other concerned individual. A Casey House staff member can assess the crisis and offer services based on the needs of the youth. Emergency Short-term shelter is utilized only when alternatives within the youth’s natural support system of family and friends are unavailable.

When a youth enters shelter, his/her parents or legal guardians are notified that the youth is in shelter in a safe location. The Casey House staff will maintain on-going contact with the family or guardian while the youth is in shelter. Short-term, crisis oriented counseling is provided; if additional issues are present, the family and/or youth are referred to long-term counseling. This is frequently the case, because running away is often a symptom of underlying problems with the family system. Casey House works closely with other community service providers to ensure that the youth is linked with appropriate services in the community.

A warm safe bed at Casey House is better than life on the streets.