Youth On Fire

The Youth On Fire drop-in center was established in the fall of 2000 to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for homeless and street-involved youth. YOF is open five days a week and serves young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Often the behaviors necessary to survive on the streets put these youth at a higher risk for contracting HIV. YOF serves the physical and mental needs of these youth.

The center offers basic necessities, as well as prevention information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C and other diseases associated with high-risk behavior. YOF has onsite hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources. The ultimate goal of YOF is to help as many youth as possible to have a healthy lifestyle, remain HIV-negative, and seek greater stability through permanent housing, employment, or school.

Youth in Fire is part of the Cambridge Cares About Aids program.

Youth On Fire is located at 1555 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. P (617) 661-2508 F (617) 661-2805