These teenagers are proud to wear military fatigues as members of the Harlem Youth Marines.

But their program is in a battle just to keep operating.

"It was just like a blessing to be in this place and I really do miss my home and I want it back," said Tristan Ewens, a Harlem Youth Marine.

The youth group had to leave its home in the 369th Armory in Harlem five years ago because renovations.

The group's leaders thought the displacement would be temporary.

But the founder and director says they still not have been allowed back and that it's become increasingly difficult to find alternate locations and funding for the program.

"The way the things look right now we may have to close down at the end of the year if we don't find our own location," said Gregory Collins, Founder of the Harlem Youth Marines.

The program began in the 1980's to keep kids in school and away from violence, and teach them discipline.

"Being here at the armory we have a lot of things going on with the organizations in the armory. I had a drum bugle corp, I had a drill team. I had the honor guard, the color guard," said Collins.

The state-owned Armory was built in the 1930s for the 369th Regiment. The Harlem Hellfighters - a legendary unit of black soldiers that fought in World War One.

The state Division of Military and Naval Affairs said the renovations were completed but that unsafe levels of lead were discovered. Military employees and contractors can enter the facility but civilians cannot until lead abatement is completed.

The Youth Marines say the program has been homeless too long costing them more and more members and donations. They hope Governor Cuomo and other elected officials can help them continue to help young people.

"When I first came here it was because of disciplinary issues, but since I have been here they have helped me overcome that and helped me to persevere,” said Tamera Hopkinson, of the Harlem Youth Marines.

"I was having learning disabilities on school work, I was doing bad in school, I was failing in school, but the Harlem Youth Marines was just keep on pushing me," said Ewens.

Teens involved with the Harlem Youth Marines say the thought of it going out of existence is devastating.

"Honestly I hope that doesn't happen because I love this program," Hopkinson said.

Lead abatement work will take another year and after it's complete the state says the Harlem Youth Marines could be allowed back in - but only if the space is not needed for official military use.