Since November of 1984 Youth-Reach Houston has been in uninterrupted 24-hour service, operating a full-service residential facility for troubled boys. From the inception and until 2011, Youth-Reach Houston cared for kids from the ages of 12 to 21. In 2011, due to changing state regulations, our age range was modified to boys ages 12 to 17. In 2008, Youth-Reach opened a facility in coastal Alabama to serve young men ages 18 to 21.

Originating in the Montrose area of Houston, Youth-Reach is located on a 26-acre campus in northeast Houston. Youth-Reach began as an outreach to the young homeless street kids of downtown Houston, but it quickly became apparent that there was little hope for the many kids that called the streets of the Montrose district home. That need led to the creation of what is today a thriving residential campus where lives are reclaimed. All this started with God’s use of one man.

Curt Williams has a heart for hurting teenagers. Though he grew up in a healthy Christian home with two caring parents, he rejected much that he was taught and sought a life of excitement and thrills. This soon led to a dark existence of addictions and pain, yet he remembered the teachings of his youth, and in May of 1984 he surrendered his life to Christ. Through all this, the images of the kids on the streets were ever-present in his mind. After returning to the same streets where he had exercised his rebellion, he recognized that homeless kids needed more than encouraging words.

Something tangible had to be done. These kids needed a structured and safe home, clear boundaries, wise guidance, and an infusion of hope. And all of them needed a strong father figure. None of them could pay for all of this, and there were no available alternatives that would address their specific and challenging needs. They needed long-term assistance in a safe place, but the options were few.