Youth Shelter and Residential Services

Open House Youth Shelter is committed to improving the safety and well-being of displaced abused, neglected and vulnerable youth.  Children and adolescents ages 6-18 who are in need of a safe place to stay can receive shelter in the 24-hour, 9-bed facility. Open House does more than just meet youths' basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Personal growth is encouraged through counseling services, vocational/educational opportunities, life skill building, and recreational activities. All confidential services are provided at no cost to youth and their families, and continue for a period of three months after discharge, to maximize the success of the family reunification plan.

Referrals are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from local agencies such as The Department of Social Services, law enforcement, Juvenile Justice, school personnel, and other youth serving organizations and professionals. Self-referrals and those from parents/legal guardians are also accepted. Open House is licensed biennially through the North Carolina Division of Social Services for temporary Emergency Foster Care placements as well as for long-term Residential/Foster Care services. This specialized dual-licensure allows Open House to adapt services to the unique needs of each youth.

All of the free and confidential services offered through Open House are made possible via the support of the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, United Way of the Cape Fear Area, Federal Emergency Management Assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Administration of Children and Families-Family and Youth Services Bureau, foster care and Child/Adolescent Crisis Respite reimbursements from the Department of Social Services, local foundations (such as the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation and the Landfall Foundation) and charitable donations.

For more information, please call us at 910-392-7408, or visit us on Facebook.