Building Futures for over 50 Years San Diego Youth Services has improved the lives of more than 823,000 homeless, runaway and other vulnerable youth.

We provide intensive services to more than 14,000 youth every year.

San Diego Youth Services offers a continuum of care for children and youth from infancy to age 25. We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless.

We aim to:

 

Meet the basic needs of youth

Hunger, poverty and youth homelessness are on the rise for many youth and their families today. We help meet these basic needs for youth. What could be more vital than food and shelter? We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless.

Create positive connections

We help youth focus on positive life changes and healthy relationships as part of providing needed resources and services. San Diego Youth Services has long provided foster homes and adoption support services for families considering adopting a youth in the foster care system.

Help youth develop life skills

In addition to a range of safe and stable housing options, we offer support to help youth develop the independent living skills necessary to become self-sufficient and keep off the streets.

Promote overall health and well-being

Early intervention and care for the whole child are critical. We provide a broad continuum of services to help youth overcome trauma and challenges that put them at risk, including case management, counseling, mental health treatment and educational support and resources.

Success Stories

Hear from the youth we have supported

Our Mission

Our mission is empowering youth to thrive by meeting their basic needs and providing lifelong skills for self-sufficiency and achieving their life ambitions. Our vision is to create a world where all youth have equal opportunities to achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality.

Our Team

Meet our leadership and Board of Directors.

Outcomes

See our community impact.

Youth Action Board

A collaboration to improve services.

Latest SDYS News

SDYS to Host Gala & Benefit Auction Honoring CEO Walter Philips’ 25 Years of Leadership

May 12 @ 9:54 am ,

Youth Runaway and Homelessness Awareness Walk and Rally Puts a Spotlight on Youth Homelessness

Read More

San Diego Youth Services’ CEO to Bike from San Francisco to San Diego to Raise Awareness and Funds to End Youth Homelessness

May 12 @ 9:54 am

Youth Runaway and Homelessness Awareness Walk and Rally Puts a Spotlight on Youth Homelessness

Read More

San Diego Youth Services Welcomes Jonathan Castillo as New Chief Executive Officer, Effective July 1, 2025

May 12 @ 9:54 am

Youth Runaway and Homelessness Awareness Walk and Rally Puts a Spotlight on Youth Homelessness

Read More