History

Founded in 1969, Ozone House is recognized as one of the very first runaway shelters in the United States. Community members founded the collective to respond to growing concerns about runaway youth living on the streets of Ann Arbor.

• 1972 - Receives first grant funding from the City of Ann Arbor.
  
  
• 1974 - Selected as a pilot program to receive federal funding to demonstrate new and unique services to runaway youth. Ozone leads the way in advocating for the rights of youth.
  
  
• 1975 - Programming expands to include emergency foster care and family counseling. Ozone begins support group for lesbian and gay youth.
  
  
• 1976 - Moves to property on Main Street. Services shift focus from cross-country runaways to youth in crisis in our own community.
  
  
• 1984 - Independent living services added to respond to dramatic rise in homeless youth.
  
  
• 1995 - New management structure established to create more effective, efficient, and accountable services and operations. First Executive Director hired, Board of Directors assembled.
  
  
• 1996 - Services intensified and professionalized to meet serious needs of youth and their families. Master's level social workers hired. Focus on improving cultural competency of agency and meeting needs of broader community.
  
  
• 1997 - Purchased house at 1705 Washtenaw. Opened the first emergency youth shelter in Washtenaw County.
  
  
• 1997 - Recognized by NEW for Excellence in Nonprofit Management
  
  
• 1998 - Evaluation and quality improvement program implemented and innovative agency created assessment tool copyrighted. Youth Leadership and Education (YEL) Council created. Youth added to Board. Expansion of services for substance abuse prevention and lesbian and gay youth.
  
  
• 1999 - Youth Drop-in Center opened in downtown Ypsilanti. Street Outreach program for youth living on the street and other unsafe situations begins. Celebration of 30th Anniversary.
  
  
• 2000 - Top award given by NEW for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.
  
  
• 2001 - Number of youth and families served annually doubles. Identified for use of Best Practices in homeless youth services.
  
  
• 2002 - Named Best Managed Nonprofit by Crain's Detroit Business. Excellence Award for Community Outreach.
  
  
• 2003 - Expanded services to include employment support and permanent supportive housing for homeless youth.
  
  
• 2004 - Celebrated 35th Anniversary. Initiated Capital Campaign to raise $650,000.
  
  
• 2005 - Capital Campaign funds allowed the mortgage at 1705 Washtenaw to be paid off. Also purchased and renovated new Drop-In Center at 102 North Hamilton in Ypsilanti.
  
  
• 2006 - On Monday July 10th, welcomed young people to our newly renovated Drop-In Center during our Grand Opening Open House celebration.