New Program Offers Safe Haven And Connection For Youth

At last week's Toledo City Council meeting, community leaders and advocates shed light on a new initiative aimed at supporting local youth: the “Homie House.” Born from a deep concern for children lacking structure, mentorship, and safe spaces, the Homie House is quickly becoming a cornerstone for connection and growth for youth in the county.

The founder, Tyler Watkins, who has years of experience working with students facing behavioral and attendance challenges, shared his motivation for starting Homie House. “All kids deserve to have a safe place. All kids deserve to have somebody believe in them. All kids deserve to have somebody say, ‘I think that you can do more than you think you can do. Let’s do it together.’ That’s our mission with the Homie House.”

After reaching out to established nonprofits and finding that expansion wasn’t in their business models, the founder decided to take action locally. “I tried to not do this. I called other nonprofits... and I continuously heard that it’s not in their business plan to expand. So what I’ve done is ask people to show up as needed at school, based on the feedback and rationales from my students,” Watkins explained.

The eventual goal of the Homie House will be to open after school and provide a welcoming environment for kids to gather, hang out, and catch up with one another. There will also be a focus on meals, something Watkins said is an intentional effort to foster connection and sharing. “Family meals are important. Sharing a meal doesn’t matter where you go in the world; you sit down with someone, share a meal, and there’s the greatest intimacy of connection in that,” he emphasized.

As the Homie House continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to offer structure, mentorship, and a sense of belonging to every child in Lincoln County. The council and community members expressed strong support, recognizing the vital role such programs play in shaping the future of the youth. The Homie House program is not just about providing a physical space—it’s about fostering positive habits, skill sets, and mindsets that can help prevent youth from falling through the cracks. “If we can change one kid’s life, that’s what it’s about,” said a supporter who has worked in peer recovery and mentorship.

To help the program get off the ground, Tyler requested $20,000 in seed money from the city, explaining that this initial investment would help secure additional grants and partnerships. In addition, the Homie House is proposing a partnership with the city in which participating youth would provide at least 10 hours of community service each month, starting with projects like graffiti removal. Council members responded positively, discussing the possibility of hosting a street dance or fair as a fundraiser for the Homie House and agreeing to submit the necessary outdoor permit applications.

The council also expressed a desire to make such events annual traditions, further strengthening the bond between the city and the program. The meeting concluded with a strong sense of community support for the Homie House and a commitment to continue working together to provide opportunities and hope for all youth. If you would like to learn more about the program, go to their website.