Second Story

The vision of Second Story is of a community in which all young people are safe, live in a nurturing environment and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Founded in 1972 as “Alternative House,” Second Story transforms the lives of children and youth, helping them stay safe, make positive decisions, achieve educational success, and overcome personal crises. We offer children, youth and families hope for brighter futures by providing counseling, shelter and neighborhood-based support. Through our Second Story for Teens in Crisis program, we give safe haven to teens who are homeless, leaving an abusive situation, or experiencing crisis. Through our Second Story for Young Mothers program, we offer a comprehensive program that includes housing, food, clothing, financial advising, and a path to stability for young mothers and their children. Through our Second Story for Homeless Youth program, we offer services and support to enable homeless young people to finish high school, start college, recover from trauma, and enter empowered adulthood. Through Second Story in the Community, we help low-income, disadvantaged youth connect to school and their community. We provide after-school tutoring, meals, learning experiences, and space for computer centers and clinics. We run family resource centers that distribute food, clothing, and other supplies, and link youth and families to financial advising, translation services, and more. We changed our name from "Alternative House" to "Second Story" in early 2017, to help reflect the broad array of programs that we offer. Learn more at