Karis, Inc.

Background Statement

Since 2012, Karis has been serving young people who find themselves houseless. That year, we opened The House, an emergency shelter for homeless youth ages 13-20. Over the past eleven years, Karis established a comprehensive set of programs and services for this population: we now offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, transitional housing for survivors of intimate partner violence, permanent supportive housing, street outreach, and mental health services to homeless youth ages 13-24. Karis remains the only homeless youth services provider in our region, and many of our programs have received recognition for excellence. Laurel House, our permanent supportive housing program, won the Eagle Award for outstanding design in affordable housing, and our mental health program was recognized at a national conference. Finally, Karis has established creative partnerships in the community that help us better serve homeless youth, including partnerships with the School District and with mental health providers.