Community & Family Connections

Homeless and Missing Youth

Bellefaire JCB’s Homeless and Missing Youth Program was initiated in October 2006, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to establish a program for homeless, missing, and runaway youth who are in need of crisis intervention, possible respite and case management in Cuyahoga County. Today, the program serves approximately 4,000 teens, families and community members each year through initiatives including those listed below:

• On-call emergency staff available 24/7

• Triage services 

• Assistance 

• Ongoing counseling services 

• Case management 

• Linkage and referrals

• Coordination of alternative living arrangements 

• Street Outreach 

24/7 Homeless and Missing Youth Hotline: 216-570-8010

Safe Place Cleveland

Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own. Participating locations throughout Cleveland can be identified by bright yellow Safe Place signs on display. These Safe Place sites, which include all 27 branches of the Cleveland Public Library, Greater Cleveland RTA buses and trains, as well as participating schools, fire stations and other youth-friendly organizations, help connect kids and teens in crisis with youth service agencies or emergency shelters throughout the community.   

TXT 4 HELP is a nationwide, 24-hour text-for-support service for teens in crisis. If you’re in trouble or need help, text SAFE and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help.

A Place 4 Me

A Place 4 Me centers on the idea that all youth will have a place, especially those with high risk of homelessness. This includes young people in Cuyahoga County who are transitioning from the foster care system. A Place 4 Me is an initiative that coordinates the planning and implementation of local efforts, including help with:

• Housing

• Employment

• Education

• Permanency

• Physical and mental health

• Financial capability

• Social capital

Crisis Text Line

Throughout Ohio, you can text the keyword “4hope” to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Data usage while texting the Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill with the mobile service carrier. People of all ages can use the Crisis Text Line.