More places to turn to for homeless teens

[ Originally published on: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 ]

Recorder/Paul Franz

The SAFE PLACE sign at 21 Abbott St. in Greenfield.

Since its inception, DIAL/SELF has created programs and facilities to help prevent youth homelessness in the area, and recently, it has added another to its list to help youth who may feel scared, confused, unsafe or lost.

For more than 20 years, youth nationwide have learned to look for the large yellow SAFE PLACE sign when they are in need of help, and now this program is up and running in Franklin County after it was launched by DIAL/SELF, in partnership with Baystate Franklin Medical Center and the Greenfield Police Department.

'What's great about SAFE PLACE is that it broadens access,' said David Voegele, DIAL/SELF executive director.

Voegele said the agency heard about SAFE PLACE about three years ago and has been working toward replicating the program in Franklin County since then. He said the program enhances what DIAL/SELF already does and makes it easier for youth to access its services.

The SAFE PLACE concept is simple. Area youth, up to age 21, will learn, through school presentations and outreach posters, that if they are concerned about their safety for any reason, they can go into any SAFE PLACE location and ask for assistance.

Right now, there are three locations in Greenfield: the police department, the hospital and the DIAL/SELF office at 21 Abbott St. The Greenfield Fire Department has also agreed to participate, but it isn't a site yet because firefighters are receiving training now. Additional sites throughout Franklin County are planned, including 24/7 convenience stores and other public facilities.

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