Who We Are

StandUp for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in local communities coast to coast.

Since 1990, we have served unaccompanied homeless and at-risk youth – and young parents with children of their own – up to their 25th birthday. All of them have lived through trauma. Many have survived abuse. Often they’re just victims of immense neglect.

When we first meet them, they are disconnected and uncertain about what steps to take next. Through our four core programs – Youth Outreach, Housing Support, School Mentoring, and Food Access – we help move them quickly from crisis to connection, giving them a sense of safety, hope, and belonging.

We appreciate partners like Kia Motors of America, for recognizing us as leaders in the fight against youth homelessness.  We are honored to be recipients of their fundraising efforts through #YardsAgainstHomelessness and #GiveItEverything campaigns.

Mission and Vision

Mission

Ending the cycle of youth homelessness. We do this in cities across America, one youth at a time.

Vision

We strive to build communities where all youth know care, feel loved and have a support system to help them move quickly from surviving to thriving.

Values

We believe in promoting a way of treating homeless youth that is unique and infectious.

Our role is to be care advocates, not case managers; friends, not service providers; community organizers, not the sole source of respite.

• We treat each youth as an individual capable of making one’s own decisions.
• We provide all youth with voice and choice.
• We respect the individual diversity, beliefs and decisions of each youth.
• We possess integrity and commitment.
• We aim never to make a promise we cannot keep.
• We interact as role models.
• We find creative and frugal solutions to a wide range of individual and community needs.
• We forge connections and empower local communities and our nation to help homeless youth.
• We are humble about our roles as volunteers; tireless in our efforts to help youth in need; and dedicated to our mission and vision.

See how we’re making a difference

Every single day, our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that we consistently meet the needs of youth across America.