Bergen’s Place Youth Shelter is a state licensed residential crisis and homeless shelter for youth ages 11 through 17. Runaway, homeless and at risk youth may access the program on a walk in or referral basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The program addresses youths’ immediate needs, including food, clothing, health and mental wellbeing. Bergen’s Place is a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ youth.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS?

• To provide safe, temporary housing for youth experiencing homelessness, problems at home or in the community.
• To stabilize family crisis situations and improve family relations to facilitate reunification as quickly as possible or transition to safe and appropriate alternative living arrangements.
• To foster long-term relationships with caring adults.
• To advocate for youth in court or with community agencies.

SERVICES

Supervision:

• Residents are supervised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Health/Mental Health:

• A licensed pediatric nurse practitioner is available to address medical issues. A board certified licensed child and adolescent psychiatrist is available for psychiatric consultation and medica-tion monitoring. Mental health professionals provide individual, family and group counseling.

Education:

• Residents attend school as arranged by their home districts. Residents who are no longer in school may elect to pursue a GED or vocational opportunities.

Food Services:

• A professional kitchen located on the premises provides nutritious and at-tractive meals and snacks.

Recreation:

• Age appropriate activities take place in the facility and the community.

WHO REFERS?

• Youth may seek admission without referral or be referred for voluntary admission by community members, schools, clergy, police departments, public agencies, and helplines such as 211 and 2nd Floor. See the Basic Center description below for more information on voluntary admission.
• New Jersey Superior Court, Family Part - Bergen County
• Bergen County Juvenile Intake
• The Juvenile Family Crisis
• Intervention Unit
• The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P)

Basic Center Program:

• Open access to Bergen's Place Youth Shelter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Allows for homeless youth to voluntarily enter the shelter on a walk-in basis
• Youth can remain in the shelter for up to 21 days
• Parent involvement and reconnection to family members is facilitated by program

Age Groups	Children Adolescents
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Clothing / Supplies / Furniture Emergency Shelter / Housing / Warming Center Food Pantry / Soup Kitchen Housing / Shelter Family & Support Services LGBTQ
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Mental Health Teen Issues Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention
Treatment Services	Outpatient Services Counseling / Therapy, Family Counseling / Therapy, Group Medication Monitoring

Last Updated: 08/14/23