What was Once a Dream is Now Reality

In 1996, Kennesaw State University conducted a needs assessment for the North Georgia region. The results of this assessment found the need for an emergency youth shelter focused on at-risk female youth, ages 7-17. Jesse’s House, originally known as the Forsyth County Youth Shelter, was founded as a result of this assessment.

After significant contributions from the community and a home donated by the Larry Morris family, Jesse’s House, began operation in May 1998. The shelter was named for Larry Morris’ father, Jesse. The capacity of the original shelter included space for 7 female youth.

Since inception in 1998, Jesse’s House has served over 555 female youth. In 2008, Jesse’s House served 42 youth from 12 north Georgia counties, including 17 youth from Forsyth County. 

In 2002, Jesse’s House received the donation of a larger building to expand our services. As the need to serve more youth became increasingly clear, the Board of Director’s began renovation of this building in June 2003. Through a capital campaign, numerous volunteers, individuals and organizations, the new Jesse’s House was successfully completed in January 2004 and began operation in March 2004. The new shelter serves a capacity of 12 female youth ages 7-17. Each youth is provided with an individual bedroom as well as a library/computer lab, game room and common room. The new capacity allows us to serve approximately 70 youth annually.