supporting Youth since 1970
a safe place and source of support
In 1970, Huckleberry House was founded as a safe place and source of support for young people who had run away from home, were facing homelessness, or simply needed a safe place to rest their heads. 56 years later, our programs have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of young people, but our mission has remained the same: with hope, we shelter, support, and guide youth navigating challenges.
Each day, we work to ensure that all young people in our community have access to a safe home environment, along with the guidance, skills, and resources they need to navigate life’s pressures and move toward a brighter, more stable future. We envision a Central Ohio with thriving youth, no matter their journey.
One in seven
children will
run away before
the age of 18.
One in seven
children will
run away before
the age of 18.
What We Do
We empower young people to move forward
The young people and families who come to Huckleberry House face serious challenges, including abuse, violence, addiction, and homelessness.
Most want something different for their future — stability, safety, and hope — but aren’t sure where to begin.
We help young people take that first step forward through our four core services: Teen Crisis Program and Shelter, Counseling Center, Housing Programs, and Youth Outreach Program. Every young person deserves support, guidance, and a place to start again.
By the Numbers
Our Impact
nights of shelter across our programs
people engaged through outreach efforts like presentations, events, and more
teens participating in Teen Crisis Program transitioned to safe and stable housing
hours of mental health support and life skills training were offered across our programs
Meet Our People
Board of Directors
Todd Lukens, President
Rajiv Thomas, Vice President
Jennifer Mullaney, Treasurer
Deborah Lisheid, Secretary
Alyssa Bentz, Board Member
Meredith Harper Bonham, Board Member
Matthew Curtis, Board Member
Eric Hardgrove, Board Member
Shandell Jamal, Board Member
Ryan Konst, Board Member
Kimberly Rogers, Board Member
Megan Koontz, Board Member
Amanda Scott, Board Member
Julie Simono, Board Member
Craig Smith, Board Member
Members serve without compensation.
Staff Leadership
Jennifer Sharma
Lynda Leclerc
Carol Argiro
Thelma Young
Erica Schnitz
Melanie Gunther
Amanda Leclerc
Kyra Crockett-Hodge
This website is supported by Grant Numbers 90CX7455-03-00, 90YO2509-03-00, and 90CY7429-03-00 from the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Family and Youth Services Bureau.