Compass House

Compass House is a non-profit agency providing services to youth in Erie County. Our mission is to provide runaway, homeless and street youth with safe shelter and services, through a voluntary and mutually agreed-upon process, in an environment that supports dignity, respect and self-reliance. Compass House provides both an Emergency Shelter for youth ages 12-17 and a Resource Center for youth and young adults ages 14-24. Through these two programs, we assist over 500 youth in crisis annually in Erie County. We are the only shelter in the county for youth in need.

Compass House provides safe shelter and services to runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth.  Through our voluntary programs at the Emergency Shelter and Resource Center, we provide runaway, homeless and street youth with services in an environment that supports dignity, respect and self-reliance.

Emergency Shelter

Compass House's Emergency Shelter is located at 370 Linwood Avenue in the city of Buffalo. Our Shelter meets the basic needs of runaway and homeless youth ages 12-17 through immediate access to crisis counseling, meals and a temporary place to stay.  We are the only shelter in the area for all youth, regardless how they identify. Trained, caring professionals are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide the necessary supportive services. Through our Safe Place Program, youth in crisis can receive assistance in getting to the shelter via our Safe Place locations. (For more information on the Safe Place Program, click here.) All services are voluntary, free, and confidential. Our 24-hour crisis line is (716) 886-0935.

The Resource Center

Located a block from the Shelter at 1451 Main Street is the Compass House Resource Center. Our Resource Center provides non-residential support to youth ages 14-24 years old that are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Services include case management, instruction on independent living skills, personal care supplies, food, cooking, laundry facilities, and individual group and family counseling. The Compass House Street Outreach Program operates from the Resource Center. The Street Outreach Team canvasses local neighborhoods, teen hangouts, and other areas to inform kids they encounter about shelter options and other resources that may be available to them. Additionally, the Team has knapsacks of toiletries and other resources to make life a bit easier for kids living on the fringes. All services provided by the Resource Center are free, confidential, and voluntary. For more information on Resource Center Client Services, contact Compass House at (716) 884-3066.