Compass House, in partnership with representatives from the NFTA and other local organizations, held a press event today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Safe Place Program in Erie County. The event, held at Tops Market on Elmwood, honored this significant milestone while recognizing key partners who have played a vital role in ensuring youth in crisis have immediate access to safety and support.

Compass House is a non-profit agency providing services to youth in Erie County. Its mission is to provide runaway, homeless, and street youth with safe shelter and services through a voluntary and mutually agreed-upon process. Compass House provides an emergency shelter for youth ages 12-17 and a Resource Center for youth and young adults ages 14-24. Through these two programs, it assists over 500 youth in crisis annually in Erie County. The NFTA is a committed partner, offering Metro buses as safe locations and/or temporary shelters in transit.