Programs

Homelessness

Since 1981, Wrenn House has provided young people ages 10–17 with a safe, welcoming place to stay during times of crisis. Wrenn House is the only homeless, runaway and crisis intervention shelter for youth in the Triangle

When home is not safe or stable, young people can face situations that are confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes dangerous. Wrenn House provides youth with a trusted place to turn – day or night – offering immediate safety, caring support, and individualized help navigating positive next steps with their families.

Wrenn House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Young people staying at Wrenn House have access to:

  • Short-term shelter in a safe, youth-focused environment
  • Counseling and case management support
  • Transportation to Wake County schools
  • Life skills programming and recreational activities that help restore routine and stability

Wrenn House is here to help if you are aged 10–17 and:

  • Have nowhere safe to go or are experiencing a crisis
  • Are moving from place to place, staying in a hotel or shelter, sleeping outside or somewhere not meant for living
  • Have run away or are thinking about running away

If any of these describes you or someone you know, call Wrenn House at (919) 832-7866, 24/7, to talk with someone or begin a referral over the phone.

Street Outreach connects with young people ages 24 and under experiencing homelessness across Wake County. Our team meets youth where they are –  on the streets, in the community, and in unsafe living situations – providing immediate support, trusted relationships, and pathways toward safety and stability.

Young people experiencing homelessness face high risks of violence, exploitation, and serious health challenges. Street Outreach helps youth move off the streets as quickly and safely as possible while building a foundation for long-term stability.

By bringing resources directly to young people, Street Outreach helps ensure they can get what they need, when they need it most.

Street Outreach can help if you are aged 16-24 and:

  • Are moving from place to place, sleeping outside, or staying somewhere not meant for living
  • Are staying temporarily in hotels, shelters, or couch-surfing
  • Are leaving an unsafe situation and don’t have a safe place to go
  • Need help finding resources or want support exiting homelessness
  • Are at risk of losing your housing soon

Haven House serves as the Coordinated Entry site for young adults ages 18–24.

To complete an intake, call 919-980-2015 and leave a message. Calls are returned within 48 hours.

The Street Outreach team is able to provide:

  • Basic needs items such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies
  • Case management, life skills support, and goal planning
  • Safety planning and 24/7 crisis support
  • Connections to shelter, housing programs, and community resources, including medical care, mental health services, and social service programs

Transition in Place (TIP) provides housing and intensive support for young adults ages 18–23, including young parents and their children, who are experiencing homelessness. The program helps young people move beyond crisis by pairing safe housing with the skills and support needed to build long-term stability. 

Moving into housing after homelessness can feel overwhelming, especially while managing work, finances, or parenting for the first time, often without strong support. TIP provides the structure, guidance, and stability young adults need to maintain housing and build independence.

Youth must be referred to TIP through our Street Outreach program. 

Young adults in TIP have access to:

  • Stable housing*
  • Intensive case management, life skills support, and individualized goal planning
  • Safety planning and 24/7 crisis support
  • Connections to education, job training, employment, and career opportunities

*TIP partners with private landlords and rental agencies to secure housing. Rental subsidies may be provided for up to 12 months.

TIP may be right for you if you:

  • Are aged 18-23
  • Are moving from place to place, sleeping outside, or staying somewhere not meant for living, or are staying temporarily in hotels or shelters
  • Want support exiting homelessness and accessing resources
  • Want to learn the skills needed to live independently.