About Arbor Youth Services
What does Arbor Youth Services do?
Arbor Youth Services provides emergency shelter and supportive services to youth ages experiencing homelessness,abuse, abandonment, or are at risk of victimization. We serve youth ages 0–24 through our emergency shelter for minors, overnight shelter for young adults, daytime drop-in center, and supportive-housing programs.
Who can receive services?
Any youth or young adult who is unaccompanied, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness in Central Kentucky. This includes those who have been abandoned, kicked out, aging out of foster care, or fleeing unsafe situations.
Is there a cost for services?
No. All Arbor Youth Services programs are free of charge for youth and families we serve.
️ Emergency Youth Shelter (Ages 0–17)
Do youth need a referral to enter?
Youth may be referred to Arbor Youth Services by DCBS, DJJ, law enforcement, schools, hospitals, or other social service agencies. Youth must meet program eligibility criteria to receive services. Walk-ins are also accepted depending on program capacity and eligibility.
How long can a youth stay?
The shelter is licensed by the Kentucky Office of Inspector General for stays of up to 21 days.
What should youth bring?
If possible, bring identification or any important personal items—but no youth is ever turned away for lacking documentation. We provide clothing, meals, hygiene items, and basic necessities.
Young Adult (TAY) Emergency Shelter (Ages 18–24)
Where is the young adult shelter located?
The Transition-Age Youth (TAY) Emergency Shelter is located at 540 W Third Street, Lexington, KY 40508, in the same building as our Outreach Drop-In Center. The location is accessible by LexTran bus routes and near downtown resources.
How long can young adults stay?
The TAY Emergency Shelter is a short-term, emergency shelter that operates on a lottery-based system for available beds each night. Stays are designed to provide immediate safety and connection to resources while case managers assist with securing housing, employment, and stability.
Outreach Drop-In Center (Ages 16–24)
What services are offered at the Drop-In Center?
Youth can access showers, laundry, meals, Wi-Fi, clothing, hygiene supplies, case management, and referrals for housing, healthcare, and employment.
When is the Drop-In Center open?
The Outreach Drop-In Center is open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.
The TAY Emergency Shelter operates 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
Both are located at 540 W Third Street, Lexington, KY 40508.
️ Housing Programs
What is supportive housing?
Arbor operates several supportive-housing programs for young adults (18–24) working toward independence. Depending on eligibility and program funding, participants may receive rental assistance, security deposits, life-skills training, and ongoing case management to support long-term housing stability.
How do I apply for housing assistance?
Youth can apply through our Outreach Center or by calling (859) 254-2501. Our dedicated Housing Advocates will help determine eligibility and next steps.
Accessing Help
How do I contact Arbor Youth Services?
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Phone: (859) 254-2501
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Address: 536 W Third Street, Lexington, KY 40508
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After-hours emergencies: Call or come to the shelter—staff are on-site 24/7.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes. Youth may walk in at any time. No appointment is necessary for emergency shelter or outreach services.
Donations & Volunteering
How can I donate?
You can donate securely online at arborky.org/donate or by mailing a check to:
Arbor Youth Services
P.O. Box 904
Lexington, KY 40588
Can I volunteer?
Yes! Volunteers help with events, donation drives, and youth enrichment activities. Contact Joshua McKinley ([email protected]). All volunteers undergo background checks and training.
️ Policies & Confidentiality
Is information about youth kept confidential?
Absolutely. Arbor Youth Services complies with all HIPAA and Kentucky mandated-reporting laws. Youth information is never shared without consent, except when required by law to ensure safety.
Are Arbor facilities licensed?
Yes. Our Minor Emergency Shelter is licensed by the Kentucky Office of Inspector General (OIG), and we follow all local health and safety regulations.
Text Message & Privacy Policy
Can I receive text updates from Arbor Youth Services?
Yes. By opting in, you may receive texts about programs, events, or donation opportunities.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
Text STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance.
See our Terms & Condtions and Privacy Policy for full details.
General Information
Is Arbor Youth Services a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Arbor Youth Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 61-0926861.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
How long has Arbor been serving the community?
Arbor Youth Services has provided safe shelter and hope to youth in Lexington since 1976—nearly 50 years of service.