National Safe Place is a neighborhood-based program that helps youth when they have left home or find themselves homeless. The organization’s first foray into the city of Cleveland is in the format of a partnership among Bellefaire JCB's Homeless Youth Program, the Greater Cleveland RTA and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s Next Step/Westhaven.
Under this program, a child or teen can board any Greater Cleveland RTA bus or rapid train and tell the driver that he or she needs help. Based on the where that bus is located, whether on the east or west side of town, drivers are trained to call Bellefaire JCB’s Homeless Youth Program or Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s Next Step/Westhaven.
Placards on buses and other community sites including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) provide students with further information about the program and how to access.