CAPTAIN CHS to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Youth Shelter

CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) has announced a celebration honoring the 25th anniversary of their Runaway and Youth Homeless Shelter.

The event will be held Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Tavern at Brown’s Beach Resort, according to a press release.

“We’re so excited to celebrate the rich history of our Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter,” said CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director Andy Gilpin in the release. “The Youth Shelter has been a staple in our community, serving local teens in crisis 24/7/365 since it opened its doors in 1998.” 

Located in Malta, the temporary shelter serves “youth under 18, with a primary focus on ages 13-17 who are homeless, runaway, facing a housing crisis, or in an otherwise unsafe situation,” the release states.

“Our Youth Shelter plays a truly pivotal role in the lives of the lives of kids that stay here,” continued Gilpin. “We are focused on family reunification with all our efforts. Our primary goal is to not only find a healthy and permanent home for youth, but to also find and connect them to the resources and support they need to build a brighter future.” 

Staff at the Youth Shelter provide services such as case management, transportation to and from school and appointments, and involve them in activities. Staff will attempt to reconnect youths with their families or find an alternative permanent living arrangement, according to the release.

“Our Youth Shelter meets a critical need in the community,” noted Gilpin. “We’re one of only two Youth Shelters serving the areas north of Albany – the other being WAIT House in Glens Falls and one of only two Youth Shelters for youth under 18 in the entire Capital Region and points north.” 

The Youth Shelter serves Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Mont-gomery, and Fulton Counties. Over 25 years, the Youth Shelter has served more than 2,700 youth from the Capital District, North Country, and Mohawk Valley.

CAPTAIN CHS launched the 25th Anniversary Fund this summer, with Gilpin noting in the release that the shelter’s roof and HVAC system need to be replaced, and said they are hoping to purchase a 12-passenger van, among other improvements.

“While this is a wonderful celebration of the life-changing opportunities the Youth Shelter gives our local teens, it is also a reminder of how important it is that our doors remain open,” continued Gilpin.

The 25th Anniversary Fund has a goal of $115,000, and has currently raised over $70,000, the release states.

“It is only because of the support and commitment of our community that this Youth Shelter opened,” concluded Gilpin. “And it’s because of that same dedication we know we’ll reach our goal, building a foundation for the next twenty-five years of making a difference.”

Tickets to the event are $75 and available for purchase at www.captaincares.org/youthshelter.