Youth and Young Adults

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Being young and on your own, or not safe at home, is so hard. You're not in trouble for reaching out, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. There are people in Ohio who help young people just like you, every day.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a safe place or someone to talk to, call 1.800.RUNAWAY (1.800.786.2929). It's at no cost, private and open 24/7. You can also chat or email at 1800runaway.org.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I go if I can't stay at home?

1.800.RUNAWAY, the National Runaway Safeline, is a great place to start. It's at no cost and open 24/7.

Call 1.800.786.2929, or chat or email at 1800runaway.org. A crisis support specialist can listen, help you explore your options, and help you stay safe.

• In Columbus, teens 12 to 17 can call Huckleberry House's Teen Crisis Program and Shelter any time at 614.294.5553.
• In Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, Bellefaire JCB has a 24/7 Homeless and Missing Youth Hotline at 216.570.8010. Staff can help you find a temporary safe place to stay.
• In Akron, Safe Landing Youth Shelter gives crisis and emergency help to youth 11 to 17. You can call or just drop in.
• In Toledo, Zepf Center's Safety Net says it's the only shelter for runaway and homeless youth in Northwest Ohio. Call or text 419.206.0926, any time.
• In any county, dial 211 and ask about youth shelters near you. More programs are in the county list later in this guide.

Sources: https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://www.huckhouse.org/ and https://www.bellefairejcb.org/Unsheltered-and-Transitional-Living-Supports and https://www.sc72.org/programs/safe-landing-youth-shelter and https://www.zepfcenter.org/safety-net

National Safe Place runs this no cost text service across the country.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help

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You're not in trouble

Calling a youth hotline doesn't mean you're in trouble. They're there to listen and help you stay safe. You did a smart thing by reaching out!

What if I aged out of foster care?

Ohio has a program called Bridges, run by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). As of October 18, 2026, DCY says:

• You might be able to join if you left foster care in Ohio at 18, 19 or 20 and aren't 21 yet.
• You also need to be doing at least one of these: working on your diploma or GED, in college or job training, in a program to help you get a job, working at least 80 hours a month, or unable to do these because of a health problem.
• Bridges can give case management and money help as you move into adulthood. It's in every Ohio county, and young adults who moved out of state may also join.
• About to leave care? Talk to your caseworker. They'll contact Bridges about three months before you leave.
• Already left care and under 21? Fill out the Bridges referral form online. DCY says someone will contact you within two business days.

Sources: https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/bridges/apply and https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum

Where you start doesn't decide where you end up. You've got a whole future ahead of you, friend.

From the Bunklow team

What help can I get as a current or former youth in care?

• Health care. DCY says young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 or older can get Ohio Medicaid until age 26, no matter their income. Apply online or call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800.324.8680.
• Independent living. DCY says county children services agencies must give independent living services to youth 14 and older in foster care. They may also help 18, 19 and 20 year olds who aged out and ask for help, with things like school, jobs, budgeting, housing, mentoring, and room and board help. Ask your county's Independent Living Coordinator.
• Youth Navigator Network. DCY says Ohio's Youth Navigator Network can connect you to resources nearby, by chat, phone or text.
• Jobs. DCY says the CCMEP employment program is for youth and young adults 14 to 24 in all 88 counties, with job help and tuition assistance.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum

Can I get help paying for college if I was in foster care?

You may. The Ohio Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program helps young people who were in foster care pay for college or job training.

• The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce says you may get up to $5,000 a year for school costs while you're in college or training.
• DCY says you may qualify if your foster care ends on or after your 18th birthday, or you left care after 16 because you were adopted or placed in kinship guardianship, among other rules.
• You also need to be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen, have less than $10,000 in personal assets, be in an accredited program, and keep at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Foster Success Education Services runs Ohio ETV. It says you must be under 26.

Sources: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Foster-Care/Student-Supports/Postgraduates-Supports-and-Workforce-Readiness-for and https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum and https://fseducation.fostersuccess.org/ohio-etv/

What other money for school is there?

• FAFSA first. DCY says you must fill out the FAFSA to see what financial aid you can get.
• Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG). DCY says it's for Ohio residents starting an undergraduate program who meet the rules. You apply by filing the FAFSA.
• Short term certificates. The Department of Education and Workforce says need based students may get up to $2,000 toward tuition and fees for in demand certificate programs that take less than a year.
• Ohio Reach. A statewide network that supports former foster youth in college. DCY says some colleges have an Ohio Reach designation for built in supports, and Ohio Reach has a scholarship. The 2026 deadline was May 29, 2026, so watch ohioreach.org for the next one.

Sources: https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum and https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Foster-Care/Student-Supports/Postgraduates-Supports-and-Workforce-Readiness-for

Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?

Yes. Students without a fixed, regular and adequate place to sleep at night can get help to stay in school.

As of October 18, 2026, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce says:

• Every district's homeless education liaison helps students and families through enrollment.
• Staying at your school of origin is often best, but in some cases you may be enrolled right away at the school where you're staying now. The choice is up to you and your family.
• The cost of transportation can't be a reason when choosing a school, and records must be transferred without delay.
• If you're on your own, without a parent or guardian, you may count as an unaccompanied homeless youth. You get the final say on which school you go to.
• The FAFSA has an option to say you're experiencing homelessness and are an unaccompanied youth.

Ask your school counselor or front office for the district's homeless liaison.

Sources: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Homeless-Youth/Liaisons/Identification-Eligibility-and-Enrollment and https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Homeless-Youth/Liaisons/Unaccompanied-Youth-FAQ

Where can I find a job or training?

• Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is the nation's largest at no cost, residential career training and education program for young adults with low incomes. Call 800.733.5627 (800.733.JOBS).
• CCMEP, ages 14 to 24, in every Ohio county. Ask your county OhioMeansJobs center. See Guide 6.
• Your library. No cost computers, WiFi and often help with resumes.

Sources: https://www.jobcorps.gov/ and https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum

Who can I talk to if I'm struggling?

• 988. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time.
• The Trevor Project. No cost, private support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1.866.488.7386, text START to 678678, or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
• Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741.
• In Columbus, Huckleberry House lists a Teen Suicide Prevention Hotline at 614.294.3300.
• 1.800.RUNAWAY. Call 1.800.786.2929, even if you just need to talk.

Sources: https://988lifeline.org/ and https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ and https://www.crisistextline.org/ and https://www.huckhouse.org/ and https://www.1800runaway.org/

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Save the numbers

Take a screenshot of the key numbers in this guide so you have them even without data. Easy peasy!

Sources: https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/bridges/apply and https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-youth/statewide-resources-for-foster-youth-and-alum and https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Homeless-Youth/Liaisons/Identification-Eligibility-and-Enrollment and https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Foster-Care/Student-Supports/Postgraduates-Supports-and-Workforce-Readiness-for and https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Who can I call in my county?

Here are youth shelters and drop in centers near you. If your county isn't listed, call 1.800.786.2929 or dial 211.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Ohio

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Franklin County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Cuyahoga County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hamilton County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Summit County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lucas County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I believe in you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026