Since 2001, Doors of Change has been transforming the lives of homeless youth. Established as a 501(c)(3) under the name “Photocharity,” we have raised over $8 million since our inception. We have served over 23,000 young people and helped over 2,900 homeless youth get off the streets. Our mission is to act as advocates to support homeless youth ages 17-24 and provide access to the resources they need to improve their quality of life. We aim to get them off the streets into safe housing and help them attain self-sufficiency.

Nearly one-third of all homeless adults are reported to have begun their life of homelessness as a youth. Intervention and getting youth off the streets are paramount in breaking the long-term cycle of homelessness. In 2013 we identified a significant gap in the services and resources available to homeless Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 17-24, and re-dedicated our organization to serve this underserved population.

Before the pandemic, our award-winning music and art program successfully built these relationships. Suspending that face-to-face program led us to develop a broader approach to connecting with homeless youth. Now we reach out to our clients where they live, on the streets, and meet with them by phone. We help them via our new Homeless Youth Advocacy Program (HYAP). Our approach saves lives by focusing on each individual and building relationships in the responsive, open-minded, and personal way each young person needs.

Website: https://doorsofchange.org