What is Safe Place?
Safe Place is a youth outreach program that connects businesses and volunteers to provide immediate help and safety to youth facing abuse, neglect, bullying, serious family struggles, homelessness and more. The goal of Safe Place is to offer immediate help to any youth in crisis. As youth enter a designated Safe Place location and ask for help, trained volunteers connect them to appropriate assistance. Click for more information about Safe Place.
Safe Place in Fresno
In partnership with National Safe Place Network, Fresno EOC Sanctuary and Youth Services has operated the Safe Place program locally for 20 years. In Fresno, Safe Place consists of a network of 271 Safe Place sites at school campuses, businesses, community buildings, and transit system – such as Fresno Unified School District schools, city parks, community centers, Wal-Mart, Boys and Girls Club, convenience stores, and Fresno Area Express (FAX) buses – all of whom display black and yellow Safe Place signs. Youth are then transported to the Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter.
About Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter
Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter is located in downtown Fresno targeting homeless, runaway and displaced youth who are often the most “in need” of immediate intervention due to their high vulnerability and risk factors. Many youth have turned to a life on the streets due to their home being abusive, violent, or otherwise dysfunctional. The intent of the Sanctuary’s efforts is to reduce factors that promote homelessness among youth and provide them with a Safe Place through our Sanctuary Youth Shelter. Click for more information about Sanctuary Youth Shelter.
National Safe Place Network
“We Stand Together to help all Youth in Need” Fresno EOC Sanctuary and Youth Services is part of a national network of 132 licensed Safe Place agencies in 31 states. Youth in crisis can text the word “safe” and current location (address/city/state) to 69866 and be connected to closest Safe Place for help. To learn more about the National Safe Place Network visit www.nspnetwork.org.
Safe Place Week Events
Thursday, March 16 @ 1:30 PM
City of Fresno Proclamation
Fresno City Council Chamber, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno
Join us as March 19-25 is proclaimed as National Safe Place Week in Fresno.
Monday, March 20 @ 9:00 AM
Safe Place Partner Recognition Breakfast
Nielsen Conference Center, 3110 W Nielsen Ave, Fresno
This annual event will provide partners only with program information related to outcomes and achievements. The event will honor partners who represent exemplary community partnerships. A keynote speaker and local entertainment will highlight the event. Open to Safe Place site partners only.
Wednesday, March 22 from 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Safe Place Site Orientation
Fresno EOC Sanctuary & Youth Services, 2336 Calaveras, Fresno
Attend a Safe Place Site Orientation to learn how your business or organization can become a designated Safe Place for any youth in crisis and in need of immediate help.
Wednesday, March 22 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Sanctuary Youth Shelter Community Open House
Sanctuary Youth Shelter, 1545 N Street, Fresno CA 93721
Come celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter.
Thursday, March 30 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Backpack Giveaway
Fresno EOC Sanctuary & Youth Services, 2336 Calaveras, Fresno
Homeless youth are invited to receive a backpack, hot meal, and recuperate in a safe place.