Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter

Sammyy Williams

About a year ago I was in the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter I was homeless at 17 for about majority of the year 2018. I was on my way to finishing high school and being homeless set me back a little. So then I reached out for help from my teacher and then I was given information on the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. From there the process of getting into the shelter didn't take long they took me in right away without hesitation. I wanted to be able to graduate on time and because I got into the shelter I was able to graduate a year early being a class of 2018 and along with that I started to fast-paced the process of getting into Long Beach Job Corps program where as of today 7.15.19 I got my certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant along with that I am an Inter at Reliance Hospice & Palliative Care as part of my trainning for this program. I currently have my driving permit but in the process of getting my driver's license as I continue to stay before I exit. I was able to learn a lot of new things and the shelter has taught me so much since then. I comprehended a lot during my stay in the shelter and everybody was a huge support.  I'm forever grateful that there are programs like the shelter and Long Beach Job Corps programs for giving people the opportunities to better themselves. My plan after I had finished high school was to get a head start in my career and that's exactly what I did because I had the shelter guidance and support to get to where I am today. Although the year wasn't kind and I struggled along the way I was able to get through it. A message to current readers and possible future residents I hope you guys realize that the shelter is there for you and all they want to do is help and I hope you guys realize and understand that they're there for you....they're not there to judge. They just there to guide you and support you and every decision you make and help you for the future.They can support you on that and give you the resources that you need. And to the Staff members hopefully reading this I hope you guys remember me ex resident Sammy I was probably the only kid who stayed the longest hands down I'm sure I was the one who stayed the longest... does 3 months ring a bell LOL. PS I tried calling the shelter earlier but it's not going through.. it says it's not in service?. Well hopefully I hear back from you guys I would like to chat.

Don Nguyen

My experience at the shelter was fun and good they told me new things watched movies staff and tharapist were great supporters I fixed my goal which was have a good relationship and communicate with my mom and it helped they take you on nice outings my favorite was batting cages,walk at the park,and horses it's a fun place to be and changed me alot. thank u sincerely x-resident D I don't know why I'm saying this even tho it says my name😂

Michele Hutton- Thewes

This place is great! I wish it was able to take on more kids that could use the guidance. Some adults too! Very good environment. They helped us a lot. Thank you

Jimmy Amirie

they have the worst program to teach my kid about anything. The counselor is bias that never listen to the parent side and my frustration why my kid have to be in there. She basically gave me manual on how to love me kid as if though i never loved him or never tried anything to fix him before the shelter. the shelter never watched out for your kids education, if you want to put them in there, then you might think twice during school year. Because my kid was way behind when he comes back to school when the counselor and the tutor there was surely told me that my kid is doing his school work and is catching up. i would give them NEGATIVE star for telling my kid that what to tell me that as a parent i am responsible for all his actions and he can do whatever he wants. being in this program does not help him at all instead he got him way behind on his school works and more bad attitudes when he came back home.