Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Higgins: $200,000 in federal funding for Compass House

Submitted

Tue, Oct 4th 2022 03:30 pm

Compass House provides shelter, support for homeless & runaway youth in Western New York

Congressman Brian Higgins announced a federal grant totaling $200,000 awarded to Compass House. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and awarded through the Administration for Children and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau Basic Center Program, the grant will continue support for emergency housing and resources for homeless and runaway youth in the Western New York community.

“When young people in crisis run away from home or struggle with homelessness, they need a safe place to turn for shelter and care while they address their challenges and find a secure living situation,” Higgins said. “Compass House is a longstanding fixture in the community providing these services. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will extend their reach in the community, allowing the organization to find a safe landing for a greater number of kids and young adults in need. It is a critical investment in a better future for at-risk youth in Western New York.”

Compass House Executive Director Lisa Freeman said, “Compass House is celebrating our 50th anniversary helping runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth. Because of this grant, we have been able to shelter 15,000 youth over the years. We would like to thank the Department of Health and Human Services for their continued support of Compass House and the youth that we serve.”

Higgins’ team said, “The Administration for Children and Families Basic Center Program provides temporary shelter and counseling services to youth who have left home without the permission of their parents or guardians, have been forced to leave home, or other homeless youth who may end up in the law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. It works to establish and strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway or homeless youth and their families. The program awards grants to organizations that provide youth under 18 with shelter, good, clothing, counseling and referrals for health care. Grantees can provide up to 21 days of shelter for youth, and seek to reunite them with family – whenever possible – or relocate them to appropriate alternative placements.”

Located in the City of Buffalo, Compass House serves over 600 youth each year. Federal grant funding will support continued efforts to grow the program and provide a safe place for runaway or homeless kids and young adults.

This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allocated more than $22 million toward Basic Center Program grants. Compass House was one of just about 90 grants awarded across the country.

A press release said, “Compass House provides runaway, homeless and street youth with safe shelter and services in an environment that supports dignity, respect and self-reliance. Founded in 1972 as a homeless shelter, they operate an emergency shelter, a resource center, and a rapid rehousing program.”

To learn more, visit https://www.compasshouse.org/.

Hometown News

View All News