Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Matters at Compass House

Each May, organizations across the country recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Compass House, this observance is deeply personal. For the youth we serve, mental health challenges are not abstract—they are real, immediate, and often intensified by the trauma and instability of homelessness.

According to the National Network for Youth, up to 70% of homeless youth experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Many have faced significant trauma, including physical or emotional abuse, family breakdown, neglect, or exposure to violence. And yet, despite the severity of these issues, access to quality mental health care remains out of reach for many.

At Compass House, we see this reality every day. Young people come to us scared, unsure of where to go next, and often carrying more emotional pain than anyone their age should ever have to bear. That’s why mental health care is not an afterthought in our work—it’s woven into everything we do.

Our Emergency Shelter and Resource Center offer more than food and a safe place to sleep. We provide:

• On-site crisis counseling to help youth process their experiences and begin to stabilize emotionally.

• Referrals to long-term mental health care through trusted community partners.

• Staff trained in trauma-informed care, so every youth is treated with dignity, empathy, and understanding.

• Supportive programs like art therapy, life skills workshops, and group discussions that give youth tools for resilience.

We also work hard to break the stigma around mental health. Many of the youth we serve have been told to “tough it out” or “deal with it” on their own. At Compass House, they hear something different: You are not alone. Your feelings are valid. Help is here.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite our community to stand with us in supporting youth mental wellness. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission—helps us provide the compassionate care and resources these young people need and deserve.

Together, we can be part of a system of healing and hope.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, reach out. Help is always available. Thank you for standing with Compass House in creating a community where every young person is safe, supported, and mentally well.