Look for the Safe Place Sign


Look for the Safe Place Sign

Do you feel lost and alone?  Do you feel like you have nowhere to go and nobody to turn to?  Is there an immediate physical or emotional threat?  At Youth Focus, we are here for you.  We can provide a SAFE PLACE to get you out of harm’s way, find shelter, get support, and assess your situation.  We want to help!

What is Safe Place?

Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program that provides youth immediate help and safety.  Some locations include fire departments, libraries, YMCAs, and other businesses.  Safe Place locations are all marked with a vibrant yellow and black sign to indicate participation.

How Does Safe Place Work?

  1. If a youth is experiencing a crisis, they can locate a safe place participant, knock on the door, and tell an adult they need help.
  2. When the youth is inside and safe, the adult will call the designated Youth Focus staff member.
  3. The staff member will arrive to talk to the youth and transport them to the agency.
  4. Counselors will meet with the youth to provide support and determine the best course of action.

Once a youth has been brought to our agency and talked with a counselor, Youth Focus offers a number of other services, some covered by insurance and some free. 

Emergency Shelter

Through the Act Together housing facility, we provide emergency shelter for runaways, victims of abuse, or those in a family crisis.

Outpatient Counseling

Free counseling is provided by Safe Haven for youth ages 6 to 24 who have been victims of crimes such as assault, rape, bullying, and neglect.

Maternity Housing

My Sister Susan’s House provides transitional housing to pregnant and parenting youth ages 16-21 who are experiencing homelessness.

Transitional Housing

Youth Focus offers transitional living through HEARTH for young adults ages 18-21 experiencing homelessness who need to gain more independent living skills.

Rapid Rehousing

Rapid Rehousing is a program that provides rent assistance to homeless young adults ages 18-24.  While in the program, they will learn skills to help them gain independence, increase responsibility, and learn to manage rent on their own. 

How Can You Help?

Youth Focus is a proud participant in Safe Place.  We strive to provide hope, security, and safety to abused, neglected, homeless, and struggling youth in our community.  According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, in 2019 North Carolina had 3,181 unaccompanied homeless students.  We encourage others in and around Guilford County to consider becoming a Safe Place to empower our youth and to help battle youth homelessness.  

Given the current state and local guidelines for COVID-19, beginning March 13, Youth Focus will temporarily suspend all on-site volunteers to its programs. This DOES NOT include clients or those accompanying clients for appointments. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the safety of our youth and staff.