Every Cleveland Public Library Branch is a Safe Place
Children and teens in crisis can turn to staff at all 27 branches of Cleveland Public Library as part of the Safe Place Cleveland program, a community initiative that provides access to help and resources for youth in need.
Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own. Participating locations throughout Cleveland can be identified by bright yellow Safe Place signs on display. These Safe Place sites, which also include all Greater Cleveland RTA buses and trains as well as participating schools, fire stations and other youth-friendly organizations, help connect kids and teens in crisis with youth service agencies or emergency shelters throughout the community.
According to the national Safe Place program, crisis situations might include abuse, neglect, family troubles, dangerous dating situations, bullying, homelessness or drug abuse. Any child or teen age 17 and under who needs a place to stay or is experiencing a crisis may enter a Cleveland Public Library branch and ask for help. Staff will take immediate steps to connect the youth to appropriate resources. Youth may also text the word SAFE and their current location (address, city and state) to 69866 to receive information about the nearest Safe Place site and connect with a professional.
Cleveland Public Library has partnered with Bellefaire JCB’s Homeless and Missing Youth Program, the Greater Cleveland RTA and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s Next Step/Westhaven program to provide safe havens and resources for youth in crisis.
To learn more about Safe Place, visit the national Safe Place website or Greater Cleveland RTA’s Safe Place FAQ page.