Waymakers Youth Shelter - Huntington Beach, California.

As a youth who went there I personally would never go back despite having an LGBT flag there was 0 supportive energy in that room and I was Only treated as my bio sex despite them claiming they respected all gender… identitys would not let me sit next to male peers because "you know how teens are" dispite most of those males being MUCH younger then me and me a male they didn't care...I found the rules of the Establishment very overwhelming and strict... Even having a dress code... Not allowing any privacy... In 5 minutes for calls per day...waking up early in the morning for walks ...it was just not for me...it not easy to adjust to...but This place might be really helpful for the others... So it's not like I wanted to get shut down or anything but that's just how I feel

What an amazing place I was in there when I was 15 the staff was amazing and felt like home now I’m 39 so happy it’s still up and running

My mother put me here as a teen. I loved it I hade structure, they brought teachers there we would walk around the park they give you clothes and hygiene good food It was wonderful I didn’t want to go home the staff was… kind and firm I wish I could have lived there and gone to see my family on weekends

Loved the shelter when I was there. Sometimes I wish I never left, it was definitely HOME AWAY FROM HOME. The people who worked there felt more like friends, rather than feeling like staff workers. I loved it, I felt… more comfortable being there because of that!! Going to the library and to the beach we're my favorite trips

Amazing support. I stayed there and they where amazing and the people there you can trust. Its calm and organized and great for people who need to get away from home.

God bless the people in Huntington Beach for helping out these kids when they needed the most

I can say that finding this Waymakers program was the best thing for my daughter. Excellent program, thank you for everything 🙏♥️

Very lovely people. Donated a bunch of food.

The staff send to have a sincere caring attitude regarding the care of their charges.

Very very Helpful

Trust the people, love the location, and wish i could move in! 🙂

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.

Without a doubt, I can say that this is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I thank each and every one of you who make up this wonderful place, because it's practically where my teenage daughter found and learned… what a family is. I love you all.

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😂

not much to say, but i appreciate them

It's a phenomenon place to get help

Very good program

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

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.

Horrible environment by far... staff is not professional at all they just leave the kids alone unattended you can tell they hate their jobs as well they mistreat the children here therapists aren’t professional so next… time you think about leaving your child here think twice my kid came back telling me all the horrible things they do here not to mention they haven’t been around all that long anyways I just wanted to leave this here so people know what they’re getting into here.

Elsa Greenwood and her staff are impressive. I've assisted several scouts with Eagle projects at the shelter. My heart and eyes were opened to the great work they do. Thank you for being there for our youth!

So amazing :) I donated brand new clothes and they were so greatful, even let me know about how the youth does chores for "shelter bucks" and can buy them or use them to put on their own charitable event ❤️ Loved the… experience and going back sat for round 2:)