GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- As youth homelessness becomes an increasingly urgent issue in Guilford County, one local organization is stepping up to make an impact in addressing the crisis. The Youth Focus Act Together Emergency Shelter, located in Greensboro, provides a safe haven for young people ages 11 to 17 who are facing homelessness, family crises or abuse. The shelter offers temporary housing, food and a variety of essential services designed to help these vulnerable youth get back on their feet. This year alone, the shelter has provided services to over 180 young people. Executive Director of Youth Focus Sarah Roethlinger says this is important work, especially during formative years. “These kids often don’t have the support they need. They’ve been abused, neglected and lack the family safety net that’s critical for their development,” Roethlinger said. The Youth Focus shelter offers more than just a bed and meals. It provides access to medical care, mental health services and educational resources. “One of our main goals is to not just provide resources but help them build on themselves,” Roethlinger said. "We want them to be able to do for themselves. If we just do everything for them, they’re not going to feel confident when they leave." After their stay at the emergency shelter, many youths transition into Youth Focus’s Hearth Program, which offers longer-term support and independent living arrangements. "We have three people in that program who came from here," Roethlinger said. "One of them was sleeping outside or in the bus parking lot at Eastern High School, sometimes even sleeping on the bus because he felt it was safer than sleeping at home." Despite these successes, the need for support remains high. The shelter has received over 800 referrals this year alone, and there are more than 3,000 homeless students currently enrolled in Guilford County Schools.  Roethlinger says it is extremely important to expand their services to meet the growing demand. Youth Focus is offering tours of its facilities to showcase the work they are doing and the impact they are making. Those interested in learning more about the shelter or offering support through donations can visit their website at YouthFocus.org.