The Key is the longest running youth-run youth center in the nation! It is a life-giving community and a safe place for youth to connect with each other, caring adults, and their community. The Key is open 3pm – 10pm 365 days a year, including every weekend and holiday. Free meals and access to resources are available every day on a self-referral basis for all youth.

“What is The Key” – check out this great video directly from youth at The Key

The Key is run by NUY’s Key youth board, which is democratically elected by youth. They hire and review all staff as well as make programming and policy decisions about The Key. It’s a place to do art on the walls, sit and relax, get help with homework, play music, connect with friends, and to find resources to organize and mobilize about needs in the community around mental health, homelessness, social activism, arts access, food access, and so much more.