Safe Harbor program expands housing and support for at‑risk youth across Saint Louis County

Hunter Smith, who runs the Safe Harbor programs, described two countywide initiatives supporting youth ages 12–24: Safe Harbor supportive services and Safe Harbor housing.

The supportive-services program provides advocacy, case management, assistance with identification and benefits, transportation to county appointments and independent-living skills training. The housing program places youth in independent scattered-site apartments where Safe Harbor pays rent and the security deposit initially and helps youth transition to paying rent over months 6–12 while staff teach budgeting, cooking and household skills.

Hunter said the program accepts referrals from many sources, including self-referrals, and does not impose strict discharge timelines; participants may remain enrolled as long as they need the support. He described the target population as youth facing high-risk factors, including those at risk for human trafficking, exploitation or who are couch‑hopping or homeless.

On housing specifics, Hunter said: "we do take on the payment for the first 6 months in full" and typically provide the security deposit. The program also supports parenting and pregnant youth and can assist with diapers, formula and driver's education enrollment for parenting youth.

Case managers provide hands-on help getting IDs and Social Security cards and sometimes transport youth to county buildings and appointments. Hunter said the program has limited grant funds to purchase hygiene products, food and other immediate needs for youth.

Hunter encouraged attendees to contact Safe Harbor staff to refer youth and noted that several of the program’s services are housed in the Virginia building, where several local programs collaborate to meet family needs.