Ouachita Youth Center provides two services for the Hot Springs community:

The Drop-In and Street Outreach.

Each youth has a different story and is the one who should be driving their story forward.

Ouachita Youth Center's programs are low-barrier and work at the pace set by the youth who are homeless or at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Those who seek our services will be have to have a snack, take a shower, access computer/phone/mail, get out of the weather, and eventually receive case management when comfortable moving forward. Case management will include referrals for health services, searching for support and skills groups, get information on education, employment and housing.

Not only will Ouachita Youth Center be an accepting, inclusive space for all, we will also serve as a Safe Place hub for our community:

Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people under the age of 18 (up to 21 years of age in some communities) in need of immediate help and safety. As a collaborative community prevention initiative, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. Safe Place locations include: libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public buses, various businesses, and social service facilities.