On this day, we honor and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln two years earlier, news regarding the emancipation of slaves had been suppressed by slave owners who were waiting for the war to end. Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 when General Granger […]

From the desk of Thomas R. Harrington, President & Executive Director, Valley Youth House: Yesterday, a Minnesota jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd. This historic trial and conviction should remind us of the value of every human life. However, we recognize that this case is just the […]

This spring, VYH’s Bridge2Home Host Homes program in Western PA participated in a virtual focus group led by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago about addressing rural youth homelessness. Our Bridge2Home: a Host Homes program connects youth (ages 16-24) who are experiencing housing instability with volunteer homes in in Allegheny (ages 18-24), Armstrong, Fayette, […]

  Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Awareness week is a seven-day awareness campaign. In 2019, the executives of Lehigh and Northampton counties declared the first full week of November as Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Week. This year’s Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Awareness week will take place from Saturday, November 7, 2020 to Saturday, November 14th, 2020. The mission of […]

Joseph DeFelice, Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, visited Valley Youth House’s Program and Administrative Center in Bethlehem, PA to discuss youth homelessness with VYH, fellow homeless service providers from the Eastern Pa Continuum of Care, and representatives from local political offices. Our guests learned about our efforts in combating […]

Valley Youth House took its #CouchesDontCount campaign to Harrisburg on Monday, June 5th, to advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth to legislators and visitors in the capitol building. With the support of Representative Brian Sims, a Philadelphia-based politician and dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, VYH occupied the capitol rotunda with a couch to raise awareness about […]

On June 5th, Valley Youth House will hold an advocacy event in Harrisburg to raise awareness about the high prevalence of homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the United States. VYH will occupy the capitol rotunda with a couch on which legislators and supporters may take photos. Representatives from VYH will also be available to speak about youth homelessness. The […]

Valley Youth House was recognized by the True Colors Fund and the city of Philadelphia Mayor’s office for our work to end LGBTQ youth homelessness. As part of the recognition, a proclamation was read nationwide and signed by Mayor Kenney to announce that 4/26 would be #40toNone Day.  #40toNone Day represent thea pproximately 40% of youth experiencing […]

Valley Youth House’s VP of SE Programs, Allison Moore, provided testimony before Philadelphia’s City Council yesterday about homelessness prevention and the need for increased supports and funding. VYH was one of several agencies to participate, including People’s Emergency Center, Juvenile Law Center, Office of Homeless Services, and the Family Service Provider Network. Read more about […]

Yesterday, the City of Philadelphia hosted a press conference to announce a $700,000 grant to the Coalition to End Youth Homelessness, which is headed by Valley Youth House. City Council members Helen Gym, Allan Domb, and Jannie Blackwell were in attendance and played a major role in securing the funding. Helen Gym spearheaded a visit […]