News
Written by Laura Jensen
In the heart of Warren and Washington Counties, WAIT House stands as more than just a shelter, it’s a haven, a launching pad, and a living example of servant leadership in action. Since its founding, WAIT House has been rooted in one powerful mission: to provide stability to youth experiencing homelessness and guide them toward personal responsibility and self-sufficiency.
This mission, born from a restorative, youth-first approach, has not wavered since community leaders first gathered in 1999. Their shared vision was simple yet transformative: ensure that no young person in the region has to face homelessness alone. After four years of relentless fundraising and dedicated volunteerism, WAIT House officially opened in 2003 with an 8-bed co-ed Emergency Shelter Program (ESP). From day one, it was clear this was a service the community was in need of.
But WAIT House is more than its beds. It’s built on relationships, trust, and empowerment. Staff and leadership meet every youth where they are, offering not just a roof over their heads but also a path forward. A path shaped by empathy, understanding, and a steadfast commitment to their development.
This commitment reflects the principles of servant leadership: putting others first, building trust, nurturing potential, and creating a space where growth is possible. Every case manager, team member, and partner organization plays a role in walking alongside these young people as they work toward stability and success. From job readiness and communication training to life skills and wellness support, WAIT House provides the tools and guidance youth need to thrive not just survive.
“Give it a night,” is a phrase often shared with youth in crisis by Executive Director, Jason Mclaughlin, an invitation to take that first step toward change. For many who are couch surfing or sleeping on the streets, it’s a lifeline. A warm meal, a hot shower, a quiet night, it’s stability in a world where everything else feels uncertain.
Over the years, WAIT House has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of youth and families in the community. In 2011, the organization launched the Transitional Living Program (TLP) at 10 Wait Street in Glens Falls, providing a supportive environment for pregnant and parenting youth to build a stable future. This program offers housing, case management, parenting education, and life skills training.
In 2020, the TLP age range was expanded to include youth up to age 24, ensuring critical support during a time of profound transition. Furthering its commitment to family empowerment, WAIT House opened the Family Opportunity Center in 2023 in Glens Falls. Through these initiatives, WAIT House continues to provide stability and support to youth and families, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.
Today, WAIT House operates not only two shelters but also a Street Outreach Program, Care Management Services, Housing Assistance Programs, and an Anti-Trafficking Program. It remains committed to viewing every challenge through a youth-focused lens and never losing sight of its mission to prevent chronic homelessness and promote independence.
With a team of 37 dedicated staff, a 14-member Board of Directors, and an array of community partners including Tri-County United Way, schools, mental health agencies, Open Door Mission, and others, WAIT House thrives on collaboration.
The culture at WAIT House is intentional. It’s designed to avoid mission drift by centering everything around the youth it serves. It’s a place where staff well-being is also prioritized, where burnout is addressed with support, where accountability is paired with empathy, and where celebrating wins (big or small) is part of the rhythm of the work.
Servant leadership isn’t just a philosophy at WAIT House, it’s a daily practice. It’s found in the way staff members advocate for youth, the trust they build with each other, and the sense of purpose that unites them.