Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Support for Youth and Families in Need
Bill Wilson Center has been dedicated to transforming lives since 1973, providing comprehensive services focused on housing, mental health care, and advocacy for youth, young adults, and families. Our strength-based approach identifies and nurtures individual and family strengths, empowering clients to achieve self-sufficiency. With over 50 years of experience, we serve Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties through 12+ housing programs, crisis intervention, and community outreach. Our team of professionals combines specialized expertise in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and youth advocacy to address homelessness and family instability.Recognized by national accreditors, we maintain rigorous standards while offering 24/7 crisis support and evidence-based counseling. Our commitment to transparency and ethical service delivery has built enduring trust within the communities we serve, ensuring clients receive reliable, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Housing Services
Crisis Line Services
Foster Youth Services
Counseling Services
Support Services
Transitional Housing
Mental Health Care
Street Outreach
Family Resource Centers
LGBTQ+ Programs
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialized experience in youth homelessness solutions
- 24/7 crisis line and emergency shelter services available
- Strength-based approach focusing on individual empowerment
- Comprehensive continuum of care from crisis intervention to housing
- Accredited by national standards organization COA
Associations and certifications
- Council on Accreditation
What people say
Life-changing impact
Compassionate staff support
Successful family reunifications
Personal growth achievements
Effective crisis intervention
Services
Housing Services
Bill Wilson Center offers comprehensive housing solutions including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing assistance. Our programs serve youth aged 12-17 and families experiencing homelessness through Safety Net Shelter, Rapid Re-Housing, and specialized foster youth housing. With 12+ distinct housing programs, we provide safe accommodations while addressing underlying issues through case management and support services.
Crisis Line Services
Our 24/7 crisis intervention services include suicide prevention, mental health crisis response, and immediate housing referrals. The Here4You Call Center connects clients to shelter resources while trained counselors provide emotional support through our helpline. Crisis teams offer on-site assistance for families in acute distress, preventing potential runaway situations and de-escalating family conflicts.
Foster Youth Services
Specialized programs for foster youth include transitional living arrangements, independent living skills training, and educational support. The HUB community center provides case management, employment assistance, and life skills workshops. Our services help foster youth transition to self-sufficiency through housing stability, mental health support, and educational advancement programs.
Counseling Services
We provide individual, family, and group therapy through licensed mental health professionals. Services include trauma-informed care, grief counseling through our Centre for Living with Dying program, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Our evidence-based approaches address behavioral health needs, substance abuse issues, and trauma recovery for youth and families in crisis.
Support Services
Comprehensive support services include street outreach teams, family resource centers, and LGBTQ+ youth programs. Our Drop-In Center offers laundry facilities, meals, and medical services while connecting clients to housing and employment resources. Family advocacy programs help prevent youth homelessness through conflict resolution and parenting education initiatives.
Questions
What services does Bill Wilson Center offer?
We provide housing programs, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, foster youth support, and family resource services across Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
How can I access emergency shelter?
Call our 24/7 crisis line at (408) 850-6164 for immediate shelter assistance or contact our Safety Net Shelter directly.
Do you offer mental health counseling?
Yes, we provide individual and family therapy, grief counseling, and behavioral health services through licensed professionals.
How can families prevent youth homelessness?
Our family counseling programs teach conflict resolution skills, while parenting workshops help address issues before they escalate to crisis levels.
Can I volunteer with your organization?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for housing programs, outreach initiatives, and administrative support. Contact us for current opportunities.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Pam Sprague
Nov 14, 2021
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Had a bad experience due to a misunderstanding. Arrived 1/2 HR early to find out I was at the wrong location. The group I thought I was to attend was actually on Saturdays and the actual group I was to be scheduled for on Thursdays if I had an intake by phone prior to attending in person that group was cancelled not enough people to hold a group. Next day spoke to staff explained the situation I had the staff member explained to me what needed to be done which I did the first time but also did it again the second time for the right group on the correct day left message for intake counselor to call
Precious Burton
Oct 01, 2018
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I am currently a tenant at the program THP PARENTING and its all a set-up for FAILURE.A client attacked me with a knife in front of my daughter and because i had to protect my family they gave me a 30 day notice knowing my age is hard for allot of resources and shelters in SJ.Im trying so hard to fight it because i have no were to go and i was not in the wrong i try all day calling board members and still no call.I know the BILL WILSON already had their minds made up because they didn't want to help me after my age maxed out of the program which by the way is a dead end because so many of u single
Serena Serena
Oct 22, 2017
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Didn't help at all, took over a week past the original date they said they'd call me to get a call back. then still couldnt get a counseling appointment. People call because they're suffering so thanks alot for no help.
Tattooed Beauty
Sep 03, 2017
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Theyre a great place for kids who don't have anywhere to go, they help out with alot of resources. The staff is really nice, the food is excellent, and they're really supportive when you need someone.
Julieanna Terrazas
Aug 09, 2017
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I am in the program as we speak. I have been in this program for almost two years. I can not stress how much the Bill Wilson Program has helped me grow into the person I am today. The struggle is real, and it still has it's moments of course because that is life but this is truly an amazing program. I have no one to turn to, to help boost my confidence, to understand when I am going though mental issues. I can get counseling, help with rent, ect. Thank you so much Bill Wilson Program! I am forever grateful -Julieanna Terrazas
Fran Garcia
Aug 02, 2017
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I was a Bill Wilson kid for many years. I loved sister circle and groups they provide along with food, laundry, lockers and case managers that care! I really love BW they helped change my life for the better! They invest in the kids so much, Bill Wilson gave me a second shot at life. Bill Wilson Center hired me as a staff member and helped me be employable and grow professionally! Bill Wilson hired my threw the peer mentor program and guided me on my career path. I'll never forget the walk and talks, camping trips and the talks they would have with me about changing my life. I'am truly grateful
