National Safe Place Week: Real Help. Real People. Real Safety.
Every young person deserves to feel safe—at home, at school, and in their community.
During National Safe Place Week, the El Paso Center for Children joins communities across the country in raising awareness about Safe Place, a program dedicated to helping youth in crisis find immediate safety, support, and connection when they need it most.
What is Safe Place?
Safe Place is a national outreach and prevention program that connects young people with trusted locations and caring adults when they feel unsafe.
You’ve likely seen the yellow and black Safe Place signs around El Paso—at businesses, libraries, fire stations, and other community spaces. These signs mean one simple thing:
If a young person needs help, they can walk in and ask for it.
From there, trained staff connect them with professionals who can provide support, counseling, and a safe next step.
Why It Matters
Today’s youth are navigating more challenges than ever—both in person and online.
From bullying and family conflict to mental health crises and unsafe situations, young people may not always know where to turn. And in today’s digital world, risks like cyberbullying, exploitation, and isolation can quickly become real-life emergencies.
That’s why Safe Place exists—to make sure no young person feels alone when things get overwhelming.
Help Is Just a Text Away
In addition to physical Safe Place locations, youth can access immediate help through TXT 4 HELP—a free, confidential, 24/7 text service.
How it works:
- Text SAFE + your location (city/state/ZIP) to 4HELP (44357)
- Receive the nearest Safe Place location
- Reply “2Chat” to connect directly with a licensed mental health professional
This service ensures that even in a digital world, youth can connect to real people and real support anytime, anywhere.
Local Support is Always Available
In addition to Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP, the El Paso Center for Children offers direct, local support for youth in crisis:
🏠 Runaway Shelter for Youth – Open 24/7
📞 (915) 562-4765
📍 Youth Outreach & Housing – On Call
📞 (915) 330-9513
These services ensure that young people in our community always have access to immediate, compassionate care—day or night.
Building a Stronger Safety Net in El Paso
Safe Place works because of community.
It’s made possible by local businesses and organizations serving as Safe Place sites, staff and volunteers who respond with care and urgency, and partners who believe in protecting and supporting youth.
Together, we are creating a network of safety across El Paso—one that meets young people where they are, both in real life and online.
How You Can Get Involved
National Safe Place Week is more than awareness—it’s a call to action.
Here’s how you can help:
- Look for the Safe Place sign and learn what it means
- Share information with youth, families, and your network
- Thank Safe Place partners in your community
- Partner with us to expand Safe Place locations across El Paso
A Message to Our Youth
If you are ever in a situation where you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do, you are not alone.
Help is closer than you think.
Look for the Safe Place sign or text SAFE to 4HELP (44357).
There is always someone ready to listen and help you stay safe.
Learn More
To learn more about Safe Place in El Paso, visit: epccinc.org/safe-place
Together, we are Safe Place
For Youth… Someplace to Go. Someone to Help.
Source: National Safe Place Network
