HARRIS HOME
FOR CHILDREN
IMPACTING LIVES SINCE 1954
EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
OUR MISSION
Harris Home For Children is the only full-time Licensed Crisis Program for youth needing immediate out-of-home care in the state of Alabama.
Located in Huntsville, AL, we are a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit agency providing licensed, full-time foster care services and crisis support to create a supportive, nurturing, and stable environment for neglected adolescent children from the state of Alabama. When children unexpectedly find themselves without a safe space to sleep—or wondering where they will get their next meal—Harris Home For Children is the only place to turn.
Many of the children that have stayed with us are now self-sufficient, contributing members of society as a direct result of the care and training given by our Staff and Volunteers. The programs we offer are designed to not only meet the primary needs of each child, but also to provide the support and guidance necessary to help them achieve their own goals and dreams. This includes educational support, life skills training, and more.
OUR CHALLENGE
Harris Home For Children stands as a vital counterforce to Alabama’s challenging foster care landscape. While the state grapples with over 5,800 children in care, a severe shortage of foster homes, high placement instability, thousands of annual entries, and significant caseworker turnover, Harris Home provides immediate, specialized support that fills critical gaps. As Alabama’s only full-time licensed emergency crisis service, it delivers round-the-clock shelter and stabilization for adolescents in urgent need—preventing further trauma when traditional placements are unavailable.
Through its continuum of care—including Basic and Moderate foster programs, therapeutic counseling, the BOOST! life-skills initiative, and behavioral support—Harris Home offers stable, nurturing environments that reduce placement disruptions and equip youth with the tools for long-term success. By stepping in during crises, supporting older teens toward independence, and partnering closely with the community, Harris Home directly alleviates the strain on an overburdened system and helps vulnerable children move from survival toward hope and self-sufficiency.
5800+
Children Currently in the Alabama Foster Care System
24.5%
Foster Children with 3 or More Placements in Less Than 12 Months
50%
Annual Turnover Among Caseworkers in Alabama
31.9
Months in Limbo for AL Foster Children Awaiting Adoption
2.3 to 1
Ratio of Children in Foster Care to Open Alabama Foster Homes
Our PROGRAMS
At Harris Home, we meet children where they are—offering specialized programs that provide safety, guidance, and growth opportunities. From emergency interventions to long-term development, our services ensure no child is left behind.
CRISIS
AGES 14-19
The only licensed 60-day emergency program in Alabama; residents remain on site until placement by AL DHR is finalized
BASIC CARE
AGES 12-17
The Basic Care program is designed specifically for residents ages 12–17 with mild to no emotional or behavioral challenges
MODERATE CARE
AGES 12-19
The Moderate Care program is for residents with moderate to severe emotional or behavioral problems, as confirmed by an official mental health diagnosis
BOOST!
MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL
Rigorous afterschool tutoring program for academic achievement, including SAT / ACT preparatory classes for high school junior and seniors
Our FOUNDATION
Founded in 1954 by visionary humanitarian Chessie Walker Harris (1906-1997), Harris Home For Children began as a promise to provide safe haven for Alabama's neglected youth. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Chessie grew up with a deep sense of compassion, influenced by her Seventh-day Adventist faith and early experiences in community service. After living in Cleveland for several years, she and her husband George ultimately settled in Huntsville, where she turned her lifelong commitment to child welfare into action, establishing the home to offer nurturing care when families couldn't.
Over the decades, Chessie's dedication transformed the organization into a cornerstone of support. Starting with basic foster services, it expanded to include therapeutic programs, educational aid, and life skills training. By the time of her passing in 1997, the home had cared for over 1,200 children, earning national recognition—including the President's Volunteer Action Award from George H.W. Bush in 1989 for her outstanding volunteerism.
Today, honoring Chessie's legacy, Harris Home stands as Alabama's only full-time licensed emergency crisis service for adolescents in need. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit and United Way partner, we've touched nearly one million lives across 70 years, evolving into comprehensive programs like Crisis Care, BOOST!, and Behavioral Aid. Led by Executive Director
Julian Jude—a former resident turned leader—we continue to empower youth toward self-sufficiency, building on our founder's unyielding belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
SIGN UP FOR
OUR NEWSLETTER
Stay connected to the children and teens we serve. Sign up for our newsletter to receive inspiring updates, success stories, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can help make a lasting difference.
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.