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 Pennsylvania 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 (800.786.2929). It's at no cost, private and open 24/7. You can also chat 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.
1.800.RUNAWAY, the National Runaway Safeline, is a great place to start. It's at no cost and open 24/7.
Call or text 1.800.786.2929, or chat and email at 1800runaway.org. They can listen, help you think through your choices, and help you find a youth shelter near you.
- In Philadelphia, if you're 14 to 24, you can go to a Youth Access Point, a safe space for young people without a stable home. The county list later in this guide has the details.
- In any county, dial 211 and ask about youth shelters near you.
- Youth shelters and programs near you are in the county list later in this guide.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.1800runaway.org/
What to do tonight, step by step
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Call or text 1.800.RUNAWAY at 1.800.786.2929, or dial 211.
- Say how old you are, where you are, and if you have a safe place to sleep tonight.
- Ask about a youth shelter near you.
- If your phone is dying, ask them for the address and write it down.
- Go somewhere public and well lit while you wait, like a library or a store.
Using Safe Place by text, step by step
- Text the word SAFE and your location, like your city, state or ZIP code, to 4HELP (44357).
- National Safe Place says you'll get a text back within seconds with the nearest Safe Place location.
- Go to that location and tell a staff member you need help.
- Want to talk to a counselor instead? Text 2Chat to 4HELP (44357). You don't need to send your location for 2Chat.
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
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm [age], and I can't stay at home tonight."
"I'm in [your city or county]. Is there a youth shelter near me?"
"I don't feel safe at home." Say so if it's true.
"Can you help me figure out what to do next?"
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?
In Pennsylvania, you may be able to stay in foster care, or come back, until you turn 21. Ask your caseworker or a lawyer.
As of October 17, 2026, the Juvenile Law Center shares:
- Being in school, in job training or working may help you stay in care. Ask your caseworker what applies to you.
- If your case closed, you may be able to ask the court to reopen it. Ask the Juvenile Law Center or your lawyer if you qualify.
- Reopening takes a motion and a court hearing. Your county children and youth agency or a lawyer can help.
Ask your caseworker or your county's Independent Living staff how to stay in or return to care.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://jlc.org/issues/extended-foster-care/pennsylvania
Say you just turned 18 and left care
Say you just turned 18, you left your foster home, and you're not sure how to pay rent or sign up for school. You could call your old caseworker or your county children and youth agency and ask about going back into care before you turn 21. You could also ask about Independent Living and aftercare help.
You could also ask about the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver, in section 4 of this guide.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://jlc.org/issues/extended-foster-care/pennsylvania
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 are Independent Living services?
Independent Living, or IL, helps youth in foster care get ready for adult life. The state Department of Human Services (DHS) says every county children and youth agency must offer IL services to youth in its custody.
- DHS says you may be eligible if you are in, or were in, out of home placement on or after age 14, among other groups.
- IL can help with finishing high school, career exploration, job training, job placement, and daily living skills.
- Aftercare. DHS says aftercare services must be offered to youth who were in foster care at age 14 or older, no matter which county or state they were in before. The county where you live now is responsible.
- To find IL help, contact your county children and youth agency. DHS keeps a County Children and Youth Directory.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/for-providers/child-welfare-providers/chafee-foster-care
Questions to ask your IL worker
Papers to ask for before you leave care
Can I go to college at no cost if I was in foster care?
Maybe. Pennsylvania's Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver can help with tuition and mandatory fees at Pennsylvania colleges for youth who are or were in foster care.
Ask the college financial aid office about it, and check the official page below.
- You may qualify if you experienced foster care at age 16 or older, or left foster care for adoption or permanent legal custody after turning 16.
- You must be a Pennsylvania resident.
- The waiver can be used for up to five years or until you reach age 26.
- You must complete the FAFSA to get it. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) runs the program.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/postsecondary-and-adult-education/college-planning/fostering-independence-tuition-waiver-program and https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/foster-education
Can I get money for books and other school costs?
You may. The Chafee Education and Training Grant, run by PHEAA, gives up to $5,000 for the 2026 to 2027 school year to eligible students who experienced foster care.
- You may qualify if you experienced foster care at age 16 or older, or left foster care for adoption or permanent legal custody after turning 16.
- You can't have reached age 26 by July 1 of the school year.
- You must be an undergraduate enrolled at least half time at an approved college or career school, and file the FAFSA every year.
- The grant can't be more than your cost of attendance minus other aid you get.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program
Starting college, step by step
- File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
- Apply to your local college online.
- Tell the college financial aid office you were in foster care and ask about the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver.
- Apply for the PA State Grant after the FAFSA, as PHEAA says.
- Ask PHEAA about the Chafee grant for books and other costs.
- Ask if the campus has a food pantry or basic needs center.
School papers to keep safe, if you can
Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?
Yes, talk to your school. Every school district has a homeless education liaison who can help students without stable housing.
Ask your school counselor or front office for the district's homeless liaison.
In Pennsylvania, the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program has eight regional offices that support schools and families. Philadelphia is Region 1. Your school can tell you who to call.
Sources: https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/ and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/homeless-education/locations-and-projects
Where can I find a job or training?
- Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
- PA CareerLink centers help with jobs and training, at no cost. See Guide 6 for your county.
- Your library. No cost computers, WiFi and often help with resumes.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
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, by call, text or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
- 1.800.RUNAWAY. Call or text 1.800.786.2929, even if you just need to talk.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Save the numbers
Take a screenshot of the key numbers in this guide so you have them even without data. Easy peasy!
Is 1.800.RUNAWAY at no cost?
Yes. It's at no cost and open 24/7 by call, text, chat or email.
Can I stay in foster care after 18 in Pennsylvania?
Yes, until 21, if you ask the court and you meet a requirement like school, job training or work.
I left care at 18. Can I go back?
You can ask the court to reopen your case before you turn 21 if you still qualify. Ask your county children and youth agency.
Is college no cost for former foster youth in Pennsylvania?
The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible youth, for up to five years or until age 26.
What does the Chafee grant pay for?
PHEAA's Chafee Education and Training Grant gives up to $5,000 a year toward school costs for eligible students under 26.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
National Runaway Safeline (1.800.RUNAWAY)
What it offers No cost, confidential, nonjudgmental support 24/7. Crisis staff listen, help you look at options and connect you with local help. There's also a Youth Resource Database.
How to reach Call or text 1.800.786.2929. Chat and email at 1800runaway.org
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Home Free
What it offers Helps young people ages 12 to 21 get a safe ride back to a confirmed adult or safe place, at no cost to the youth.
How to reach Call 1.800.786.2929.
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
love is respect
What it offers For young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or with questions about what healthy looks like.
How to reach Call 866.331.9474.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost, confidential support 24/7 for emotional distress, mental health or substance use worries.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at chat.988lifeline.org
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
National Safe Place TXT 4 HELP
What it offers Text SAFE and your location to get the nearest Safe Place location, or text 2Chat to talk with a trained counselor.
How to reach Text SAFE and your city, state or ZIP to 4HELP (44357).
Source https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help
Last checked October 17, 2026
The Trevor Project
What it offers No cost, private crisis support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people, by phone, text or chat.
How to reach Visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Source https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Job Corps
What it offers No cost career training and education for young adults ages 16 through 24 with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train.
How to reach Call 800.733.5627. Learn more at https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Source https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Last checked October 17, 2026
National Center for Homeless Education
What it offers Information for students without stable housing, and how to reach your school district's homeless liaison.
How to reach Visit https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/
Source https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd)
What it offers Waives tuition and mandatory fees at most Pennsylvania colleges for youth who experienced foster care at 16 or older, for up to five years or until age 26.
How to reach Complete the FAFSA, then learn more at https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/foster-education
Source https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/foster-education
Last checked October 17, 2026
Chafee Education and Training Grant
What it offers Up to $5,000 for the 2026 to 2027 school year for eligible undergraduates who experienced foster care at 16 or older and are under 26.
How to reach Complete the FAFSA, then learn more at https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program
Source https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program
Last checked October 17, 2026
Independent Living services
What it offers Help for youth in or leaving foster care with school, job training, job placement and daily living skills, plus aftercare for youth who were in care at 14 or older.
How to reach Contact your county children and youth agency.
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/for-providers/child-welfare-providers/chafee-foster-care
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
Synergy Project at Valley Youth House (Philadelphia Youth Access Point)
What it offers Street outreach and emergency help for ages 14 to 24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Shelter connections, survival supplies like food, clothing, hygiene items and sleeping bags, mental health connections, and referrals to the City's homeless services.
How to reach 1880 JFK Blvd, Suite 660. Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 3 pm. Call 1.888.468.7315 or 215.925.3180.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
Here are some places to start.
Young adult shelter options (Allegheny)
What it offers 412 Youth Zone for ages 16 to 23. Downtown Outreach Shelter for ages 18 to 24.
How to reach 412 Youth Zone 412.902.4068 (Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, Wednesday 10:30 am to 3 pm). Downtown Outreach Shelter 412.942.0500, 1601 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
Valley Youth House, Montgomery County Office
What it offers Programs for youth and young adults in Montgomery County.
How to reach Call 484.840.5358. 1250 Germantown Pike, Suite 202, Plymouth Meeting.
Source https://valleyyouthhouse.org/contact-us/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Valley Youth House, Bucks County Shelter
What it offers Shelter and services for Bucks County youth in crisis, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How to reach Call 215.442.9760.
Source https://valleyyouthhouse.org/emergency-services/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
York County
Here are some places to start.
Covenant House Pennsylvania, York
What it offers Short term emergency shelter for youth 21 and under, with food, clothing, showers and a safe place to sleep.
How to reach Call 717.430.8573.
Source https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/york-pennsylvania
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Berks County
Here are some places to start.
Mary's Shelter YESS Program
What it offers Short term emergency shelter, up to 21 days, for youth ages 14 to 17 of any gender. Walk ins welcome.
How to reach Call 610.376.1973.
Source https://www.marysshelter.org/residential
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lehigh County (Allentown)
Here are some places to start.
Valley Youth House, Lehigh Valley Shelter
What it offers Shelter and services for Lehigh Valley youth in crisis, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How to reach Call 610.691.1200.
Source https://valleyyouthhouse.org/emergency-services/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
Youth Resource Database
What it offers Search housing, counseling, legal aid and youth services near you, anywhere in Pennsylvania.
How to reach Linked from 1800runaway.org
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
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!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
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 17, 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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