My Sister Susan’s House provides housing for pregnant or parenting youth ages 16 to 21 who are experiencing homelessness. Young moms and their babies can stay at My Sister Susan’s House for 18 months. While in the program, all basic needs are met for moms and children, including nutritious food, healthcare services, and a safe and structured living environment. The program gives young mothers the opportunity to further their education and gain vocational skills. Moms also develop independent living and parenting skills.

Last year, the program received 134 referrals. Because the program can only house a total of 8 moms and babies at any one time, and the length of stay can be up to a year and a half, the program was only able to serve 18 of those 134 moms. Since its opening in 2010, the program has served over 150 moms and children. Our community needs this program!

In November of 2025, My Sister Susan’s House learned its federal funding under Runaway and Homeless Youth would not be renewed, despite receiving this funding annually since 2012 under multiple administrations. It is our understanding that we will not be able to reapply for the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth funding for My Sister Susan’s House until 2027. This year’s funding application was given a perfect score of 100, and there were no weaknesses. The program has demonstrated highly successful outcomes year after year and has received excellent results from every federal monitoring visit. We were shocked and devastated by this news. 

Just before Thanksgiving, Youth Focus shared the need with its amazing community of supporters, and they shared it with their networks. Suddenly, the news caught fire, and thousands of people all across the country were inspired to give. Enough funds have been raised to ensure My Sister Susan’s House can stay open for the next year!  Gifts that continue to come in will go towards replacing those lost federal funds in year two while we wait to reapply. 

Year One is covered, and we are now working on Year Two!

You can make a major difference in two ways:

1. Give generously to help close the funding gap and ensure young moms and their babies continue receiving the care they need. You can make a one-time gift below, set it to recur monthly, or click the PLEDGE tab to offer your support over a specific period of time. Checks can be mailed to Youth Focus, Attn: Save MSSH, 405 Parkway Ste A, Greensboro, NC 27401.