In 1990, Dr. Christopher answered this question with the establishment of Our House Incorporated, now known as Christopher Youth Center, as the first official Safe Place program in Louisiana. She managed to obtain a contract with a local shelter to reserve two beds for youth requiring shelter through Christopher Youth Center.

In 1994, Our House, Inc. opened its own shelter for runaway and homeless youth 11 – 17 years old and was licensed by the Department of Social Services for 6 beds.

A growing need for alternatives for young adults 18 – 21 years old who were too old for the youth shelter but not yet ready to be on their own led to the development of a transitional living program in 1999.

In an effort to help runaway and homeless youth in their difficult situations, Christopher Youth Center management sponsored initiatives to obtain the passage of the “72 hour Safe Harbor Law for Runaways” ACT 1087 (Amendment to R.S. #1353) in the state of Louisiana. This act guarantees 72 hours of safety and services to any non-offending runaway or homeless youth who seeks refuge at a LA licensed shelter for youth.

Presently, Christopher Youth Center, Inc. (formerly known as Our House) has over 85 safe place sites in Northeast Louisiana. The Basic Center Program (emergency youth shelter) has a capacity of 6 beds. Christopher Youth Center facilitates multiple programs designed to strengthen the youth and families in our community.