YouthHope Foundation

What YouthHope Foundation does

YouthHope Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Heidi Mayer and headquartered in Redlands, California, with operations spanning San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The organization directly serves homeless, runaway, trafficked, and at-risk youth ages 14-24, addressing a documented gap in services for unaccompanied minors in the area: California Homeless Youth Project data cite over 4,300 homeless youth in San Bernardino County with 41% sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. Service delivery operates through a four-pillar model—(1) Food and Clothing Closet providing hot meals four times weekly, groceries, and seasonal clothing; (2) Continued Education & Job Training including GED/HiSET preparation, high school completion, and vocational referrals through California Job Corps, C.R. England Truck Driving School, and United Technical Institute; (3) Medical & Counseling Services with case management and no-cost medical, dental, and optometry care via volunteer physician partnerships; and (4) the SILP-certified YouthHope Housing Program for former foster and homeless youth ages 18-24.

The organization does not operate any proprietary technology platform; service delivery is human-led through case managers, the Drop-in Center at 1175 W. Redlands Blvd. (open Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-5:30 pm), structured street outreach, and inbound referrals from schools, churches, and community organizations. Cumulative outcomes since 2009 include 6,600+ distinct youth served, 1,209 housed, 491 jobs placed, 104 college enrollees, 89 GED completions, 389 resumes created, 173 Food Handler's Certificates earned, 4,900 bus passes distributed, 5,552 grocery boxes, 31,409 to-go meals, and 30,549 street meals.

Revenue is generated entirely through tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, family foundations, and a tribal nation (San Manuel Band of Mission Indians), supplemented by merchandise (t-shirts at $30 pickup or $35 shipped; Vans-sourced Hope for a Lifetime shoes at $50 per pair) and event-driven fundraising including the annual Day in the Park Car Show, Walk in Their Shoes benefit dinner, and Harkins Movie Fundraiser. As of 2024, the major donor cohort includes 10+ institutions contributing $10,000+ and 3+ institutions contributing $5,000+. YouthHope carries no parent company, has no subsidiaries, is governed by an independent volunteer Board of Directors, and has earned California Nonprofit of the Year (2020) and multiple city and state recognitions for its founder.

Name

YouthHope Foundation

Legal name

YouthHope Foundation

Website

https://youthhope.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

YouthHope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 in Redlands, California, providing direct services including food, clothing, education, job training, medical care, counseling, and supervised housing to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth ages 14-24 across the Inland Empire.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless Youth Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Individual and Family Services (6241), Community Housing Services (62422), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homeless, Foster Care & Highly Mobile Youth Education Services (EDAJAEAG), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

Keywords

• Homeless youth services
• Youth case management
• Nonprofit social services
• Youth housing programs
• Workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Redlands

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, families, and corporations form the primary revenue source. The organization is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are accepted via PayPal, credit/debit card, and check by mail.
2. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated through event registrations (car show vendor and car registration fees), ticket sales for benefit dinners, and Harkins movie fundraiser events. Car registration is $30, merchant vendors $30, food vendors $40.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts ($30 with pickup, $35 with shipping) and potentially other items. Proceeds support youth programs and services.
4. Hope for a Lifetime Shoe Program: Shoes are sold for $50 per pair (with no tax and a free pair of socks included), sourced at discounted rates from Vans. Proceeds support youth services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

YouthHope Foundation provides direct, free services to homeless, runaway, trafficked, and at-risk youth ages 14-24 in Redlands and the Inland Empire through four integrated programs: a Food & Clothing Closet supplying hot meals, groceries, and clothing; a Continued Education & Job Training program offering GED/HiSET preparation and vocational training referrals; Medical & Counseling Services providing case management with no-cost medical, dental, optometry, and mental health care via local physician partnerships; and a Housing program (SILP-certified) for former foster and homeless youth ages 18-24. The organization is funded through donations, grants, fundraising events, and merchandise sales, and operates from a Drop-in Center in Redlands, California.

Product overview

YouthHope Foundation operates as a single unified nonprofit service organization rather than a platform-based product. The organization provides services through four core programs: Food and Clothing Closet (hot meals, groceries, and clothing), Continued Education and Job Training (GED/HiSET preparation, high school reintegration, and vocational training), Medical and Counseling Services (case management, medical referrals, dental, optometry, and mental health care), and Housing (SILP-certified affordable housing for ages 18-24). These programs are designed to work together as a coordinated support system for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth ages 14-24. Additionally, the organization operates several fundraising events including the Day in the Park Car Show, Walk in Their Shoes benefit dinner, and merchandise programs like the Hope for a Lifetime shoe program and t-shirt sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Food and Clothing Closet Provides hot nutritious meals four times weekly, access to fresh groceries, non-perishable food pantry, and year-round clothing including undergarments, socks, and hygiene items for homeless and at-risk youth ages 14-24.
• Continued Education & Job Training Program Assists youth in completing high school education, obtaining GED/HiSET credentials, or pursuing secondary educational opportunities. Includes job training programs through institutions like California Job Corps, C.R. England Truck Driving School, and United Technical Institute.
• Medical & Counseling Services Provides one-on-one case management, medical, dental, optometry care, and counseling and rehab referrals through partnerships with local physicians. Case managers assist with appointments and transportation.
• YouthHope Housing Program Safe and affordable housing program for former foster and homeless youth ages 18-24. Qualifies as a SILP (Supervised Independent Living Program) and is education-based, offering independent living with peers, educational support, life-skills training, and mentorship.
• Day in the Park Car Show Annual car show and family day fundraiser featuring vendor booths, silent auction, food, and entertainment that raises funds for YouthHope's programs.
• Walk in Their Shoes Annual benefit dinner to raise awareness and funds for programs serving homeless youth.
• Harkins Movie Fundraiser Movie fundraiser event hosted by YouthHope Foundation to generate donations and community awareness.
• Hope for a Lifetime Christmas program providing new wrapped shoes to youth in partnership with Vans. Shoes available for purchase at $50 per pair with free socks, with all proceeds supporting youth services.
• National Homeless Youth Awareness T-Shirts Branded t-shirts sold to raise awareness and funds during National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in November. Available for $30 pickup at the Drop-in Center or $35 with shipping.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,209 youth moved into housing since 2009
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vans ShoescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Vans partners with YouthHope for the Hope for a Lifetime Christmas shoe program. Mr. Van Doren personally delivers shoes at discounted rates to the Drop-in Center for gifting to youth. Core strategic partnership for the shoe program.
• Local Area Physicians and Medical ProviderscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024YouthHope partners with local physicians and medical providers to deliver no-cost medical, dental, and optometry care to youth. Case managers schedule and transport youth to appointments.
• Interfaith Churches CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Network of interfaith churches including First Baptist Church Redlands, First Congregational Church, First Lutheran Church, and 20+ others. Churches provide volunteers, hot meals, donations, and community support. First Lutheran and Plymouth Village committed to providing hot meals.
• California Homeless Youth ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Data partner providing statistics on homeless youth in San Bernardino County. YouthHope references their Tableau dashboard data showing over 4,300 homeless youth in the county.
• California Job CorpsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024YouthHope refers eligible youth to California Job Corps for job training programs as part of the Continued Education & Job Training Program.
• C.R. England Truck Driving SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024YouthHope refers youth to C.R. England Truck Driving School for vocational training as part of job placement services.
• Loma Linda UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Loma Linda University recognized YouthHope with a Community Benefit Award. Dr. Chris Martin, DDS, Board Member, is on faculty at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
• University of RedlandsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024University of Redlands students organized a homeless awareness campaign making blankets for YouthHope. Awarded Heidi Mayer Woman of Distinction from Town and Gown in 2011.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Covenant House: The largest U.S. nonprofit serving homeless and trafficked youth (ages 16-22+) with shelter, education, job training, and healthcare — directly comparable four-pillar service model to YouthHope, though at national scale.
• National Runaway Safeline: National 24/7 helpline and resource referral service for runaway and homeless youth. Operates as a national infrastructure layer that complements YouthHope's direct-service model in the runaway youth space.

Regional players

• San Diego Youth Services: San Diego County-based nonprofit serving homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth with shelter, housing, case management, education, and mental health services — highly comparable service mix within Southern California.
• Olive Crest: Southern California- and Nevada-based nonprofit serving at-risk youth including those in foster care and experiencing homelessness, with housing, education, and counseling services — comparable scope and regional footprint.
• Jovenes Inc. Los Angeles nonprofit providing housing, education, and wraparound support services for homeless transition-age youth (TAY) ages 18-25. Comparable in its SILP-style housing and education-linked programming.

Direct peers

• Larkin Street Youth Services: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing housing, education, employment, and health services to homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-24. Closely matches YouthHope's target population, age band, and integrated service model.
• Hillview Acres: Southern California-based nonprofit offering residential care, transitional housing, and wraparound services for foster and at-risk youth — directly comparable foster-youth transition housing and case management focus.
• Los Angeles Youth Network: Provides shelter, housing, education, and case management to homeless and at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Operates a drop-in model and transitional housing analogous to YouthHope's Drop-in Center + SILP housing program.
• My Friend's Place: Los Angeles-based nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk youth (ages 12-25) with drop-in services, education, job training, housing, and health/mental health care — a near-perfect structural analogue to YouthHope's drop-in center model.

Emerging players

• Safe Families for Children: Volunteer-driven nonprofit providing temporary hosting and support for children and families in crisis, including at-risk and homeless youth-adjacent populations. Overlapping target demographic and community-based support model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/youthhope09
• Facebookfacebook.com/youthhoperedlands

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YouthHope Foundation