Every young person deserves a safe space, a place where they can turn in times of crisis or uncertainty. That’s exactly what Safe Place provides—a national outreach and prevention program designed to offer immediate help and safety to youth under 18 (and up to 21 in some areas). As we approach National Safe Place Week (March 16-22), we take a moment to reflect on the impact of this vital program and recognize the partners who help make it possible.
What is Safe Place?
Safe Place is a nationwide safety net for youth, ensuring that help is never far away. Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, designated Safe Place locations—including libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public buses, businesses, and social service facilities—serve as lifelines for young people in need. Whether facing family conflict, homelessness, or other crises, youth can enter a Safe Place location and receive immediate access to support and resources.
Why Do Communities Need Safe Place?
Communities thrive when individuals and families are supported and stable. Many challenges—such as crime, addiction, and family conflict—stem from deeper issues, including youth struggles. Safe Place provides a critical intervention point, helping young people access support before their situations escalate.
For some youth, Safe Place serves as a temporary refuge from immediate threats, including unsafe situations with friends or strangers. For others, it’s a pathway back to stability, offering a secure way to reconnect with family or access further assistance. Regardless of the reason, Safe Place ensures young people have somewhere safe to turn.
How Safe Place Strengthens Communities
Safe Place isn’t just about helping individual youth—it benefits entire communities by:
✔️ Preventing crises before they escalate
✔️ Fostering partnerships between businesses, agencies, and social services
✔️ Providing a national safety net, ensuring help is always within reach
✔️ Giving youth immediate access to assistance where and when they need it
✔️ Sending a strong message that young people are valued
Compass House & Safe Place: 20 Years of Impact
Since launching Safe Place in Erie County in 2005, Compass House has grown this program into a crucial resource for local youth. Over the past 20 years, we have established 386 Safe Place sites across Erie County.
Key partners include:
✔️ Tops Markets 🛒 (A Safe Place partner since day one!)
✔️ NFTA-Metro 🚌 (Providing youth a safe way to seek help for 20 years!)
✔️ YMCA of Buffalo
✔️ Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo
✔️ GLYS Western New York
✔️ Lackawanna Fire Department
✔️ Lancaster Youth Bureau
✔️ Clarence Youth Bureau
✔️ Tipico Coffee Cafe
✔️ Hispanics United of Buffalo
Youth ages 12-17 can enter any Safe Place location, where staff will contact Compass House to arrange immediate support. If necessary, youth will be transported to our Emergency Shelter in Buffalo for further assistance. Over the years, this program has helped hundreds of local youth find safety, stability, and hope.
Txt4Help: A Lifeline at Your Fingertips
For youth who may not feel comfortable walking into a Safe Place location, Txt4Help provides a confidential, 24/7 support system.💬 How it works:
1️⃣ Text "SAFE" and your location (city/state/zip) to 4HELP (44357)
2️⃣ Receive a message with the nearest Safe Place locations
3️⃣ Need to talk? Reply "2CHAT" to connect with a trained professional
Looking Ahead to Safe Place Week
During National Safe Place Week (March 16-22), we’ll be sharing daily insights about the program, recognizing our partners, and celebrating 20 years of Safe Place in Erie County. Stay tuned for updates!
As we celebrate National Safe Place Week, we invite our community to learn more, get involved, and help spread the word. Because every young person deserves a safe place to turn.
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