Huckleberry House 2022-2023 Annual Report
A Community All Youth Can Depend On
Since 1970, Huckleberry House has welcomed over 25,000 youth through the doors of the Teen Crisis Shelter, and has served thousands more through our Outreach, Transitional Living, and Counseling programs. And, our community has been with us every step of the way.
Huckleberry House was formed in 1970 by a group of University Area churches who recognized a need to keep runaway and homeless teens safe and off the street. Together, they formed what we now call the Teen Crisis Shelter. This collaborative spirit is part of what keeps central Ohio a growing and vibrant community. Yet, thousands of young people in Franklin County are disconnected from the many opportunities offered in this community, and from the adults they can trust for the support they need. Huckleberry House is here.
This Impact Report shares just a small snapshot of the support Huckleberry House receives in the community, and we are grateful that these partners share our mission: With hope, we shelter, support, and guide youth navigating challenges.
And there are so many more stories to tell:
- The hundreds of you who make sure every young person we serve receives a gift during the holidays.
- The donations of household goods and hygiene products and so much ensuring the young people we serve have the things they want and need.
- The meals prepared and served along with the weeding, painting, and cleaning that occurs, provided by corporate partners and individuals in our community.
We believe, and we know you do too, in the promise of every teen and young adult – that no matter their circumstances, they deserve a chance at a successful.
We believe, and we know you do too, that housing is more than a roof over our heads. It is a safe haven where youth can heal, recover, and grow.
We believe, and we know you do too, that every young person deserves to participate in all that our community has to offer, and that we ALL benefit when the needs of our neighbors are being met.
And, we are grateful to our community for all of the support.
If you have already made your end-of-year financial gift to Huckleberry House, thank you. If you haven’t, we hope that you will make a gift today and support us in our vision for our community: thriving youth, no matter their journey.
Thank you.
Sonya Thesing, Executive Director
Shay’s Story
“I am more hopeful now…”
Shay found the teen crisis shelter when she was 17. A tumultuous relationship with family, many of whom live out of state, caused her to be on her own for quite some time. “I didn’t want to go to the adult shelter, so I found the Huck House crisis program.” While at the shelter, Shay learned about the Transitional Living Program. On her 18th birthday, Shay moved to Huck House’s apartments at Jefferson Avenue.
Shay remembers that first day at her own apartment. “I was nervous, very nervous. But another young person and Teja, the staff member, were very welcoming.” Shay quickly became Jefferson Avenue’s unofficial Welcome Wagon, developing friendships with all the other residents.
Her service team also remembers Shay’s first day well. “She was energetic and funny, and she learned quickly how to push our buttons to get a laugh. She engaged with staff from day one.” They identified basic needs that Shay needed to work on – things like budgeting, cooking, and keeping her apartment clean. Shay completed her diploma while living at Jefferson and was able to obtain employment. “They helped me learn stability.”
There were also bigger challenges for Shay and her team to work on. According to housing manager Meredith Leider, “Shay came to the program with some bad habits that worked for her, but would not get her anywhere. I am so proud of her for her hard work. She was willing to learn new ways and create better habits. She faced conflict and advocated for herself always.”
As a Black trans woman, Shay’s health and safety were a concern for her service team. Her team helped her work through issues and was pleased when she was willing to accept help. Shay would agree that leaning on the staff is key to moving forward. Her advice to young people working to become independent is “Listen to the staff that works at Huck House!”
Shay stayed in the transitional living program for two years. She is now living in her own apartment. When asked how she felt on the day she moved out of the Huck House apartment at Jefferson Avenue, Shay said, “I was very scared to be homeless again. But I am more hopeful now. And I know I won’t allow myself to be homeless again.”
Tyrae's Story
“They helped me get a home”
17-year old “Tyrae” had lived a difficult seven years before coming to the Huck House teen crisis shelter in October. Her father went to prison when she was 10-years old. Her life was turned upside down. By age 14, she dropped out of school and fell in to human trafficking, drugs and prostitution. She went to juvenile detention for six months. Those six months convinced Tyrae that she wanted a different life.
She re-enrolled in school and graduated early. She is now a student at Columbus State and works two jobs. Even with these great strides, Tyrae and her mom had a strained relationship and Tyrae found herself on her own, back on the streets and scared. She met a Huck House youth outreach worker who took her to the teen shelter. The outreach worker and crisis staff worked for Tyrae to enter Huck House’s transitional living program (TLP).
When asked what has been the biggest help she has received from Huck House, Tyrae said, “They helped me get a home, which was a big problem for me at 17. And they helped me understand what being selfish can look like.”
On November 1, Tyrae moved in to her own home at one of our apartment communities. Her team describes her as one of the most driven people they have ever met, despite what she has gone through. According to Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Kyra Crockett-Hodge, Tyrae “is thriving and so excited to have the help and support she has always craved to learn to be self-sufficient. She takes the lead advocating for herself and is committed to being successful.”
What advice would Tyrae give to other young people? “Be patient and trust the process, and definitely always do what is right.”
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