Youth Resources

If you are homeless, under the age of 25 and looking for shelter, safety off the streets, or other crisis services, please contact the Access Center at 503-432-3986 on a 24-hour basis. Please visit the Homeless Youth Services website for more information.

If you find yourself with nowhere to stay and are under the age of 17 years old you can call the ALBA program at 971-754-4350 or email them at alba@newavenues.org. If you are in need of immediate assistance call their 24/7 line at 503-224-4598.

The Homeless Youth Continuum consists of services and supports geared toward helping youth lead safe and healthy lives and become productive members of the community. Services include a 24-hour access and assessment center; alcohol and drug services; emergency and short-term shelter; transitional housing; and related support-services.

If your child (age 17 and under) has run away from home, and you need crisis intervention or family mediation and reunification services, please first call the Portland Police Non-Emergency line. Their phone number is 503-823-3333.

Harry's Mother, a Janus Youth Program, is the primary youth crisis center in the Portland metropolitan area. They can provide 24-hour crisis support, emergency shelter and counseling for both children and families. Their 24-hour crisis line can be reached by calling 503-233-8111.

In addition, they provide a 24-hour, seven-day Reception Center, which is a collaboration between Multnomah County Department of Human Services, the Portland Police, and the Juvenile Services Division of the Department of Community Justice. The Reception Center provides a safe environment for youth to reunite with parents or guardians.

Harry's Mother Reception Center

738 NE Davis Street, Portland, Oregon 97232

24-Hour Line: (503) 542-4640

Food Stamps for Unaccompanied Youth

Youth under the of 18 can apply for benefits even if a parent is not in the household or any guardian in the household can also apply on their behalf if they are sharing food expenses.

• Fill out an application ( with an enrollment specialist, online, or paper, on your own at a local office) DHS staff will interview you and allow you time to provide additional information if needed.

  • Getting removed from your parent/guardian’s case

  • Contact your local branch or caseworker to update or make changes