Since the home came into being, Benward estimates they helped at least 130 teens. She's had direct contact with at least 300.

"They need transitional housing," she said. "I've got one boy halfway through high school. If he'd been anywhere else other than a home, he'd have been in a butt hut."

Barlow was kicked out by his stepfather at 17 after he went to a movie and then said he didn't want to go to church anymore. He said the home gave him some stability and allowed him to go to school.

"I don't want to have to drop out to get a job," he said of his housing situation.

Overnight stays aren't possible, Johnson said. Members of the Safety Net Committee, a coalition of government agencies, social workers and polygamous communities, are stepping up to help with a transition.

"We did a lot with few resources," said Utah attorney general's spokesman Paul Murphy. "I think Michelle should be congratulated for trying to do her best in a difficult situation, and we're hoping more help is there to make sure it's run as it should be."

Barlow said he has to be out by Sept. 26. Johnson said anyone willing to donate or help can contact her at 435-616-3471.

"Our main concern is to make sure these young men have a place to stay, they can go to school and have a good life," Murphy said.

Benward, who is now looking for a job, said she was approached by some of the Lost Boys seeking help setting up a handyman business.

"They built a kingdom of God," she said. "They can build housing."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com