NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- A New Port Richey shelter for at-risk youth is in need of donated items like hygiene products and clothing this holiday season.
"They don’t have anywhere safe to go," said program director Cayse Houston. "They’re either running to something or away from something so we try to help them figure it out."
The RAP House is a runaway and youth crisis program, housing up to 20 kids ages 10 to 17.
Many are survivors of human trafficking, family violence or have experienced homelessness.
"They’re dealing with stuff that, as people who have had a good life, if they had any of those situations, it would break them," said Beesan Mustafa, a Pasco County firefighter who works at the shelter part-time.
Unlike many their age, those staying at the RAP House are not asking for trendy gifts or high-tech games this holiday season. That's because the shelter needs donated hygiene items and new or gently-worn clothing for boys and girls.
The RAP House is also accepting monetary donations to provide for children and teens in need.
"A lot of these kids don’t even have underwear that fit them or they don’t come with any, so just some things so basic that we take for granted," said Houston.
You can donate to the RAP House by clicking here.
