NORTH PARK (CBS 8) - An emergency shelter for homeless youth reopened Tuesday night in North Park.
Urban Street Angles operates a once-a-week shelter at the Mission Gathering Christian Church.
Tuesday night marked the first night a meal, showers, and beds became available for many of the homeless youth who are often turned away at other shelters.
A man, who asked to be identified as Jonathan, said he has been living on the streets since he was laid off from work six months ago.
"This is the first time I have been in an overnight shelter. I see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
The non-profit group had to suspend its services for a month because of funding. But thanks to an anonymous donor who came forward to help pay the $1,500 monthly rent at the Mission Gathering Christian Church, 24 beds are now available.
Urban Street Angels said it's the only designated emergency shelter for youth ages 17-25 in San Diego. It's a transitional age group that often gets placed behind homeless veterans and parents with children, according to the group.
"The need is here because we are serving a marginalize population that does not get served," said M.G. Perez, with Urban Street Angels.
The group provides a bed, medical attention, clothes, haircuts, showers and more importantly - hope.
"Bring them and give them a safe place overnight and build relationship with them. Ideally get them off the streets so we can break this cycle of homelessness," said Jerry Troyer, a shelter coordinator.
Urban Street Angels is working with the county for long-term funding and is also working with other churches to have a shelter open throughout the week.
"It makes me very happy. It's kind of a relief that there are people out there that are great and willing to help and they are great people here," said Jonathan.
Urban Street Angels is a volunteer driven-non profit group that relies on donations to provide outreach for homeless youth.