The program provides youth, 11-17 years of age, access to immediate help and safety through a network of community Safe Place sites that open its doors to troubled youth.

Marked by a yellow and black diamond-shaped "Safe Place" sign, these specially designated sites provide youth in crisis immediate interventions, supportive services, and professional referrals to EOC's Sanctuary Youth Services; there, they may receive specialized services including counseling, residential assistance, and case management. 

There are more than 260 Safe Place sites in Fresno County including all Fresno Unified schools, WalMart stores, Circle K stores, Boys and Girls Clubs, Holy Cross Women's Center, Poverello House, Neighborhood Resources Centers, City of Fresno Parks and Recreations Centers, United Way, and other youth-friendly sites. 

Another partner, Fresno Area Express (FAX), has designated every city bus as a Safe Place.  From any bus stop, a teen in crisis can board a FAX bus and inform the driver that s/he is in need of a "Safe Place".  Those two words activate a special FAX policy that allows the youth to board the bus at no cost. The teen stays on-board until a route supervisor is dispatched to meet him/her at the next bus stop.  From there, the adolescent is safely transported to the Sanctuary Youth Shelter in downtown Fresno.

Click here for a complete list of Safe Place sites.

Eligibility:

• Safe Place connects youth ages 11-17, who are experiencing crisis to Sanctuary Youth Services.