Resources for teachers, counselors, and administrators
-we can help you help your students.
Since 1970, Huckleberry House has been reaching young people and their families to build stronger lives. This page has been created for educators and counselors who interact with young people. We hope you will share these resources with students experiencing crisis situations.
If you scroll down, you will find other information including parent resources, presentation offerings, and community service opportunities for students.
We have printed materials we can provide for your school. To receive a package of agency brochures, Text to Safety cards, or Huck House wristbands (with the crisis hotline), or any other support materials, please contact our offices at (614) 294-8097.
Does your student need help right now?
Call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (614) 294-5553 to talk with someone right away.
Our crisis counselors can help you determine which resources your student should access.
What teens will find at our Crisis Shelter:
- Hot meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- A warm bed
- Access to clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities
- Group activities
- Space to think things over
- Counseling and support for resolving family issues
If your student is considering coming to the Huck House shelter, here are some things he or she might want to know:
- We will let their family know they’re here.
- Yes, counseling is part of the package.
- Their stay here is temporary.
- Yes, they can bring their cell phone.
- We offer separate dorms and bathrooms for girls and boys.
- Teens can continue going to school and work while they are staying with us.
- No, we are not like a detention center.
An inside look at Huck House
We created this video to give teens an idea of what to expect if they come to the shelter. Please share it with students who are thinking about coming to Huck House.
Help getting to Huck House
Huck House partners with Donatos Restaurants, Columbus Fire Stations, and Columbus Metropolitan Library locations throughout the Columbus area that can help arrange to get teens here safely. Several area municipal buildings, libraries, and fire departments are also Safe Place sites. To find a Safe Place site, send a text to 4HELP (44357) with the word SAFE and your current location. Learn more about our Safe Place Program.
We have experts who can give presentations to classes or at school assemblies.
Letting your students know about Huck House – our program managers are available to speak to a group of students or your entire student body about how to access resources at Huck House and in the community. They can talk about when to seek help and what kind of help is available.
Teen topics – Presentations about managing stress, how to “fight fair” with your parents, conflict resolution, and more. If there is a topic you think your students need to hear about, we have probably given a presentation about it.
The issue of youth homelessness – as strong advocates for preventing and ending youth homelessness, our staff welcomes every opportunity to discuss the issues that lead to youth homelessness and share ideas for how we can end it.
Important Resources for Parents and Parent Associations
Below are links to some of our most popular parent resources. Most of these articles can be printed as one-page sheets for sharing. If your parent association is seeking presentations about these types of topics, our staff is available to speak at meetings and events at no charge. Please call us at (614) 294-8097 for more information.
Growing Up
Transitioning: Older Teens and Young Adults
Youth in Transition: Helpful Hints for Success
Building the Relationship
Turning It Around With Your Teen
Building Free Time This Summer
Communication
Other Helpful Articles
Community service opportunities for your students
Volunteering at the crisis shelter
We have a limited number of volunteer opportunities at the shelter. Students can help with cleaning and maintenance, prepare and serve a meal, or plan an activity for the youth staying in the shelter. Visit the volunteer page to view available opportunities.
Huck House Sleep Out Clubs
Our overnight fundraising event was designed to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth. Huck House Sleep Out Clubs spend the school year planning their mini sleep outs – usually held in April, raising money, and educating their schools about youth homelessness. For more information, contact development director Sonya Thesing at sthesing@huck-house.org.
Hold a collection drive
We depend on the kindness of our community. Helping other young people can be a powerful experience for students. The youth in our programs always need new socks, underwear, school supplies, and other items. Visit our wish list for an idea of items your students can collect for Huck House.
A summary of our programs
Most people know Huck House for the shelter in Weinland Park. You can get to know all four of our core programs on the programs page of this website. Here is a quick summary while you are here.
Huckleberry House reaches young people and their families to build stronger lives. We do this work in four core programs:
- Central Ohio’s only 24-hour shelter for 12-17 year olds.
- An 18-month transitional living program for 18-22 year olds who have experienced homelessness and are preparing to live independently in permanent housing.
- A youth outreach program connecting young people to the resources they need.
- A Counseling Services program that works with young people and their families to identify strengths and develop skills to tackle their issues.