Each Year on Long Island, there are more than 21,000 homeless youth under the age of 18 runaways, abused and neglected young people who can't live with their families anymore or who do not even have families to return home to. It costs the Long Island taxpayer $550 a month for a teenager on welfare and $100 a day to house one in a group home. The average cost to provide long-term shelter for a homeless youth under the age of 18 in a State-run facility is approximately $50,000 per adolescent, per year.

These youth present a tremendous and complex challenge and a great responsibility FOR ALL LONG ISLANDERS! Fortunately, there is Hope House Ministries which provides a loving and compassionate environment for thousands of teenagers, who have gone on to lead productive lives.

For over 25 years, this bi-county, not-for-profit, community-based ministry has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive and competent residential and counseling assistance to thousands of adolescents, individuals and families in crisis. In addition, hundreds of schools throughout the state have benefited from a Wellness Seminar which educates students, teachers, school administrators and parents in understanding peer pressure, drug and alcohol abuse and teenage suicide.

Hope House Ministries is effective because unlike state and county facilities, which only offer a band-aid approach to these challenges, Hope House Ministries offers a holistic approach. Together, the staff and volunteers have created an empowering sense of family and community that are the change agents, helping young people grow in self-discipline, critical thinking, problem solving skills and personal responsibility.

We have accomplished these tasks with minimal financial assistance from federal, state or county agencies, saving the taxpayer thousands of dollars each year. We depend on the generosity of private contributions, fundraising events and corporate donations.

Hope House Ministries celebrates your giftedness and willingness to give others who struggle, a second chance to live again. It is a tapestry of life, compassion and brotherhood, rooted in a heart that speaks of justice and peace for all.

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW

Founder/Executive Director