The youth we serve face multiple, difficult challenges beyond their homelessness, including family dysfunction, lack of education or life skills, and social isolation. For many of our residents, the stability of our youth housing programs is their first exposure to a structured, safe, and supportive living situation.

Our programs provide safe, stable housing, meals, and guidance. Staff help each resident develop a plan to achieve self-sufficiency, setting goals in the areas of education, health care, job training, and next stage housing.

We operate two housing and supportive services programs from Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town:

Our 120-Day Interim Program: A professionally-staffed 120-day program operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each year, we serve nearly 200 youth, ages 14-20, and their children with interim shelter and supportive services. Open Door is the only short-term shelter in Chicago that works with pregnant and parenting teens as young as 14.

Our Transitional Living Program: A longer-term, 8-bed program aimed at transitioning residents, ages 16-20, to independent living within two years.

We operate one housing and supportive services program from Open Door Youth Shelter - Lakeview.

Our Pregnant and Parenting Program: In addition to providing services in the community, we operate a 120-day interim housing program dedicated to serving homeless pregnant and parenting minors and their infants.

Frequently asked questions about our youth housing programs

Volunteers provide meals at Open Door-West Town