Published on January 2, 2026 10:10 am
Last Updated on January 2, 2026 10:10 am
In the U.S. alone, over 1 million children experience homelessness each year. Caritas Family Solutions is working to address this critical need in the state of Illinois by creating a new Youth Emergency Shelter (YES). For the past two years, YES has been a safe haven offering immediate support and stability for children facing homelessness or crisis. With 24-hour care and access to counseling and comprehensive resources, the shelter reflects the nonprofit’s mission to help young people build a path toward safety, healing, and independence.
Established in May of 2023, the YES program provides emergency and temporary housing for youth ages 6 to 17 under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services who have recently lost their placement. The shelter can house up to 10 children at a time, and high demand results in a consistent waiting list for available rooms. Caritas offers a warm, home-like environment where they can stay while long-term, stable housing is identified.
In addition to having their own private space, youth have access to medical care, therapy, and enrichment opportunities, including a gym and a music room where they can learn to play instruments. Caritas also supports youth in continuing their education, from earning a GED to exploring college options. The program’s primary goal is to help each child process their experiences, develop coping skills, and prepare for the next stage of their journey.
In 2024, the Youth Emergency Shelter provided safe, interim housing and counseling for 37 youth who had lost their foster home or were between placements, giving each child the stability and support they needed to begin rebuilding their future.
Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, community family stabilization programs, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities (CILA), and assisted living. Caritas serves more than 5,200 individuals annually across Southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
