For over 50 years, Second Story has operated the only emergency home for youth in Northern Virginia; today, it does that and more, providing a range of safe spaces and services for youth in crisis. The Homeless Youth program equips young people with long-term housing support, counseling, life skills education, therapy, tutoring, case management, and emergency supplies they need to become self-sufficient adults. Young mothers and their babies receive safe housing, job training, and parenting support while moms continue their education and save for the future. Community outreach programs provide safety and educational support after school — helping kids stay on track academically while steering clear of gangs, drugs, and violence. Family Resource Centers bring together language and computer classes, legal services, tutoring, and joint parent-and-child programs. For young people with nowhere else to turn, Second Story opens doors.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; Culmore; Annandale; Springfield/Franconia; Vienna

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: All


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   13,711
  • Number of hours of volunteer work we record annually:   14,670
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   1,654
  • Number of people served in meals programs:   6,570
  • Number of people served in clothing distribution::   2,584

Awards & Recognition

Second Story (formerly Alternative House) was awarded a four-star (highest) rating by Charity Navigator for a fifth consecutive year - achieved by only 6% of the 8,000+ charities evaluated.

Second Story has also been awarded the “Best in America” designation from Independent Charities of America.

Second Story is a GuideStar Gold Participant in the GuideStar Nonprofit Program.

Second Story was recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for our 50 years of service to youth and families.

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Second Story is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Second Story you might also like



This organization collaborates with