Valley Youth Center In Need of Donations

PHOENIX - A drop in donations and a greater demand could be forcing a youth homeless center to close its doors.

HomeBase says the economy and greater demand for services has brought the facility to dire straits.

HomeBase vans drive around and take at-risk and homeless teens off the streets. They provide food and shelter to kids that need it, and teach teens how to live healthy and independent lives.

At 13th St. and McDowell, kids can come in and shower in the daytime. HomeBase is budgeted for 30 kids a day -- but this past month, there were 90 kids who needed help.

There is an overnight shelter at 10th St. and Indian School. There are 20 kids -- but the demand is more than twice that.

"A lot of the young that come in here are sleeping on the streets or shelters at night. They know this is a safe place that they can sleep. They are not fearing stealing from them, injecting them or something worse -- the streets are not a safe place for these youth," says Rachel Dallmann, Volunteer Coordinator.

HomeBase says they've started to shut down some services. The organization has been getting fewer donations -- some of their operating costs are paid for by donations and some by fundraising. Some companies and individuals have had to cut back on how much they donate in light of the economic times.

Some of the shelter's services may remain, but officials say it's possible that the 13th St. location may have to close. HomeBase Youth Services is not only in need of donations, but sleeping bags, clothes, and food.

Each year, HomeBase helps about 2,500 teens. According to estimates, there are more than 4,000 homeless teens in the valley.

HomeBase Youth Services
For Youth In Crisis: 602-254-7777