Cambridge Cares About Aids - Youth on Fire

MISSION The mission of Cambridge Cares About AIDS, Inc. (CCA) is to prevent HIV infection through outreach and education, to provide quality care and services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and to combat societal stigmas imposed on our client populations. DESCRIPTION A program of Cambridge Cares about AIDS (CCA,) Youth On Fire (YOF) is a drop-in center that provides a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for homeless and at-risk youth in the metropolitan Boston area. Established in October 2000, YOF is located in the basement of the Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church in Harvard Square, and is open for drop-in services 4 days a week. All of its members, who are between the ages of 14 and 24, are at extreme risk for contracting HIV because of the behaviors necessary for surviving on the streets, from using drugs to engaging in commercial sex activities. YOF serves the physical and mental needs of these marginalized homeless, runaway, and “throwaway youth.” The center offers at-risk youth basic necessities, as well as prevention information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C and other diseases associated with drug use and sexual behavior. YOF also has onsite hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly primary medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources. The ultimate goal of YOF is to help as many youth as possible to adopt a healthier lifestyle, stay HIV negative, and seek greater stability through permanent housing, employment, and/or school. The youth are very involved in the operation of YOF where they’re welcomed not as clients, but rather as “members” of the center. Members help evaluate the center’s effectiveness and take leadership roles in creating new programs including support groups and a creative arts component. Their youth-centered model has proven effective in helping homeless youth make positive lifestyle choices, and facilitates an egalitarian environment for members to work together.