The Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity (AHO) is a non-profit organization focused solely on providing a “safety net” of stable housing, guidance and community connections for young adults ages 18 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Marin County.

Description:
The Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity provides a hand up for young adults ages 18 to 25 offering a specialized menu of options to fit their unique needs: stable housing, guidance (life coach mentor partners and peers), community connections, monthly It’s My Life forums and bridge programs. Initially homeless youth are matched with a host family for up to six months while community support is wrapped around their individualized needs. Through the 24/7 comprehensive, intensive case management support of AHO’s life coach and peer mentors, youth learn to trust, utilize community resources and meet their personal education and career goals. With this support, youth begin making healthier choices that create positive relationships with adults. At AHO, youth also participate in the development, leadership and outreach of AHO and empower their peers to choose a healthy lifestyle and give back to the community. Much more information is available on our website, http://www.ahoproject.org

History:
AHO was incorporated in January 2005 to meet a critical gap in the system. A pilot program for previously abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless at-risk young adults ages 18 to 25 was developed and implemented by AHO to meet a growing unmet need for this age group in Marin County. Starting with four at-risk youth, the goal was to provide a safety net of stable housing, guidance, and community connections to assist them in developing supportive relationships with healthy peers and caring adults. Through the 24/7, comprehensive, case management support of AHO’s life coach and peer mentors, these youth have learned to trust, utilize community resources, and meet their personal education and career goals. With this support, these young adults began making healthier life choices and are developing positive relationships with adults. AHO is unique in that formerly homeless youth help their peers who are homeless. Very often youth need a feeling of independence intertwined with being helped, and AHO provides that special combination.

Contact person: Zara Babitzke, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Main office number: 415/381-7173
Office fax number: 415/381-1057

Address:

P.O. 2278 Mill Valley, CA 94942 (See a map)

Directions:

74 Portola Lane- 101 E. Blithedale to W.Blithedale- turn right at Eldridge Ave, go 50 yds to Portola lane on the left. 74 is last house on the left at the end of the lane.   Nearest Bus Stop: sunnyside ave at miller ave, 15 min. minute walk